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About bihardays.com…

Bihardays.com, the largest portal of Bihar is proud to be associated with Dr Ashok Ghosh as our regular columnist for ‘Ecoscope–Bihar’, a column most widely followed by our readers in Bihar, India and worldwide. Bihardays has a daily readership of 40-60,000 individuals from across the globe including the small towns of Bihar, Indian metros like Delhi and Bangalore as well as global hubs like London, New York and Sydney, and interestingly also Middle East and South East Asia. Devoted to news analysis and perspective, bihardays posts include themes from politics, science, economy, arts and environment. The singular purpose of bihardays is to raise the level of public discourse in Bihar to greater intellectual levels through focus on issues of common everyday concerns.

About Dr Ashok K. Ghosh, our columnist for Ecoscope-Bihar…

Dr Ghosh’s contributions to bihardays have now come to be seen by our readers as significant interventions in the public life of Bihar for several reasons. First, he has been able to make the point to the common reader that serious and committed academic research is essential for the development of Bihar, a concern that bihardays fully shares with Dr Ghosh. Second, Dr Ghosh has been able to convince many of our readers that Bihar must avoid the so-called shortcuts to development and give due attention to issues such as afforestation, water quality and waste management, to quote some of the issues raised by him in our columns. Third, Dr Ghosh has combined scientific rigour with human concerns in all his contributions to bihardays, which is fully in tune with our own philosophy. To make an overall point Dr Ghosh’s writings have been on par with the best anywhere in the world and his high intellectual standards have inspired bihardays to sustain a high level of discourse without compromise.

It is thus a pleasure for us to produce a compilation of his articles for informal circulation. We do hope that the readers will see in our effort the potential for a full-fledged volume as Dr Ghosh continues to write his Ec0scope-Bihar column for bihardays every Monday.

Posted by TeamBihardays on Dec 24th, 2010 // No CommentA new column on environment by Dr Ashok GhoshBihardays, the number one portal of Bihar is proud to announce a column by the reputed environmentalist Dr Ashok Ghosh startingMonday, January 3rd 2011. He will be writing every Mondays.Dr. Ashok Kumar Ghosh is Professor-in-Charge in the department of Environment and Water Management, A.N.College [Magadh University], Patna, India. He is engaged in active research in the area of water quality, especially arsenic and fluoride contaminations in groundwater resources. He was the Principal investigator of UNICEF-sponsored project on arsenic-affected groundwater in Bihar and reported many Arsenic hotspots in four districts of Bihar(Patna,Bhojpur,Bhagalpur and Vaishali). Dr. Ghosh is one of the coordinators of European Commission sponsored project “Erasmus Mundus” – a worldwide cooperation and mobility programme that aims to enhance quality in higher education and promote intercultural understanding.

Bihar Days is proud to announce a column by Dr Ashok Ghosh

Eco-Scope BiharWhen Nature strikes…human beings have no answer…By Prof. Ashok Kumar Ghosh

I was working in my home (Third Floor) on my computer in the evening on 18th September, 2011 when suddenly the computer screen started shaking. My home has many rodents, and first I thought that it is mischief by some of them. I knocked the screen a few times and kept working. But the screen of computer continued its trembling, and then it came to my mind that it is not a mischief by rodents, but it is earthquake. I ran for my life downstairs shouting that it is earthquake. By the time I reached ground floor, it was gone, but almost all of my neighbours were on road. This was my third encounter with earthquake – the first was on 21st August, 1988 at Patna, the second was on 22nd December at San Diego, USA, and third on 18th September, 2011.All the three earthquakes were mild and by the grace of God the damage was very limited, but we do not know what the future has in store for us.Based on the geo-tectonic features, history of past seismic events and potential hazards from earthquakes, the entire north-eastern and eastern region of India has been included in the severe seismic Zone V/IV of BIS code. At least a dozen mega earthquakes of more than 7 in the Richter scale had devastated the region during the past eleven and half decades and at least two of them – the great Shillong earthquake of 1897 and the Assam earthquake of 1950, both recorded 8.7 in the Richter scale, are considered among the most severe earthquakes anywhere in the world. The largest instrumented earthquake in Bihar was recorded on 15th January 1934 – Location was Bihar- Nepal border and the magnitude was 8.4 on Richter scale. Close to 10,700 people killed in North Bihar and Nepal. Heavy damage in the towns of Muzaffarpur, Motihari, Dharbhanga, and Munger was recorded. Tremors were felt all over the Indian subcontinent, as far as Mumbai and even Kerala.

Seismo-tectonic analysis of the eastern Himalayan zone has clearly indicated that many of the transverse strike-slip faults are at present active producing most of the earthquake events in this zone. The most important of them, from west to

east, are East Patna, Kanchen Dzonga, Yadaon Gulu, Tista, Jamuna, Dudhnoi, Kulsi, Gyau , Kopili and Bomdila faults . Focal mechanism solutions for well constrained events occurring along these faults yielded predominantly strike-solutions but the events occurring along the central Himalayan graben structures gave normal solutions. It may be mentioned here that the Dudhnoi and Kulsi faults cutting across the Meghalaya Plateau and Brahmaputra valley also traverse across the frontal Himalayan fold and thrusts belt. The state of Bihar lies in the Gangetic Plain. This is a fore-deep, a down warp of the Himalayan foreland, of variable depth, converted into flat plains by long-vigorous

sedimentation. This is known as a geosyncline and the Gangetic Plain is the Indo-Gangetic Geosyncline. This has shown considerable amounts of flexure and dislocation at the northern end and is bounded on the north by the Himalayan Frontal Thrust.The September 18, 2011 Sikkim, India earthquake occurred near the boundary between the India and Eurasia plates, in the mountainous region of northeast India near the Nepalese border. Initial analysis suggests the earthquake was complex, likely a result of two events occurring close together in time at depths of approximately 20 km beneath the Earth’s surface.At the latitude of the September 18 earthquake, the India plate converges with Eurasia at a rate of approximately 46 mm/year towards the north-northeast. The broad convergence between these two plates has resulted in the uplift of the Himalayas, the world’s tallest mountain range. The preliminary focal mechanism of the earthquake suggests strike slip faulting, and thus an intraplate source within the upper Eurasian plate or the underlying India plate, rather than occurring on the thrust interface plate boundary between the two. This region has experienced relatively moderate seismicity in the past, with 18 earthquakes of M 5 or greater over the past 35 years within 100 km of the epicenter of the September 18 event.The impact of this earthquake in Bihar was mild, but it should be taken as warning by nature for future. Earthquake in Bihar came as a nature’s warning and raised question mark over the congested urban planning. The buildings of all the cities of Bihar are not built to face the fury of major earthquake. If in future the earthquake of M6 or greater may be devastating for all the cities of Bihar, including Patna. Construction of multi-storey buildings in congested urban locality, which don’t comply with the conditions of earthquake resistant construction, should be completely prohibited.

Eco-Scope BiharHarvesting water, the answer to looming water crisis By Prof Ashok Kumar Ghosh Demand for water is growing worldwide including India, as everybody on earth now requires almost double the amount of water needed five years back.With urban India growing by leaps and bounds and rural India trying to increase agricultural productivity, we are expected to experience a severe water crisis by 2020, and the per capita availability of water is projected to be less than 1,000 cubic meters.The shortage of water points to a grim situation as it is bound to adversely affect both economic and agricultural growth.Irrigated lands, which accounts for almost twenty percent of world, consume around three quarters of the annual renewable fresh water resources used by human beings and yield around fortypercent of the world’s food. For this reason, agricultural specialists are counting on irrigated land to produce most of the additional food that will be needed worldwide in coming times. However, in order to achieve this it is well recognized that irrigation efficiency must be greater and the low-cost irrigation developments must be available for poor farmers.Meanwhile, it should be remembered that rain fed agriculture still plays ,and will continue to do so, a critical role in food production as eighty percent of the agricultural land worldwide is under rain fed agriculture. Among the strategies to increase agricultural production in rain fed systems, the water harvesting practices for supplemental irrigation have increasingly been used in an effective manner in many countries.

Water resource management is of crucial importance for water assessments, water allocation, design and management of environmental systems. The over growing population,mainly in developing countries ,and the prospective of climate change are calling for new approaches for water planning. Considering the persistently growing pressure on finite fresh water and soil resources, it is becoming increasingly clear that the challenge of feeding tomorrows population

is to a large extent about improving productivity of water within present land use, as new arable land is relatively limited.Water resources are very inefficiently used in both rain fed and irrigated agricultures.In fact, rain fed agriculture has generally been associated to low yield levels and high on-farm water loses. It is fundamental that crop output per unit of water input increase in both irrigated and rain fed systems, as per capita arable land area is declining even without considering the risk of soil degradation. New concepts of water resource management in scarcity regions are based on the use of water harvesting techniques. These techniques were already the basis of livelihood in arid and semi-arid areas many thousands of years ago, thus allowing even the establishment of cities in the desert.

During the recent decade the interest in water harvesting has increased and developing new or adapting old water harvesting techniques, as associated with the use of modern materials has increasingly been apparently successful in several countries so that to increase the water availability, either by directly increasing the spoil water content or by storing it for further application as supplemental irrigation in order to mitigate water stress periods occurring during the cropping seasons. Those cases tend to receive the most attention in the literature. However,the overall success is much less than expected in combining technical efficiency with low cost and acceptability to potential beneficiaries. Several national and international have launched programs to investigate the potential of water harvesting techniques but it is well recognized that much has to be done in order to clearly identify their real capabilities in several environmental conditions.

Water harvesting means capturing rain where it falls or capturing the run off in any village or town, andalso taking measures to keep that water clean by not allowing polluting activities to take place in the catchment. Therefore, water harvesting can be undertaken through a variety of ways like

• Capturing runoff from rooftops• Capturing runoff from local catchments• Capturing seasonal floodwaters from local streams• Conserving water through watershed management

The harvested water can be used for drinking, irrigation and also to increase groundwater recharge. In general, water harvesting is the activity of direct collection of rainwater. The rainwater collected can be stored for direct use or can be recharged into the groundwater. Rain is the first form of water that we know in the hydrological cycle, hence is a primary source of water for us. Rivers, lakes and groundwater are all secondary sources of water. In present times, we depend entirely on such secondary sources of water. In the process, it is forgotten that rain is the ultimate source that feeds all these secondary sources and remain ignorant of its value. Water harvesting means to understand the value of rain, and to make optimum use of the rainwater at the place where it falls.

Eco-Scope BiharSpices for Healthy Life: a ‘Masala’ for good health! By Prof Ashok Kumar Ghosh

Spices and aromatics constitute integral part of Indian cooking process. They have been used since ancient times. They were mentioned in the ancient Hindu scriptures called the Vedas, ancient Egyptian Papyruses and the Old Testament. Cinnamon, listed biblically as cinnamon, was part of Moses’ sacred anointing oil for the Tent of Meeting, the Ark of the Testimony, the holy objects, and the high priests.The history of the spice trade dates back many centuries. Through nearly four centuries, the major powers raced each other to the Orient and vied for control of the spice producing lands. The Scriptures contain references to spices in 1440 Before Christ of Ishmaelite merchants bearing spices on their way to Egypt.

Ancient Egyptians used herbs and clay around their eyes and lips as a cosmetic as well as for protection. Cleopatra later refined this practice to an art. Stories were told of Pharaohs feeding garlic and onion to slaves, who built pyramids, to give them stamina and energy and to ward off diseases. Many herbs have a turbulent history of love and passion, but perhaps the most well-known is basil. In Keats poem “Isabella and the pot of Basil”, Isabella kept the head of her murdered loverLorenzo’s severed head in a pot of Basil and watered it with her tears!Although it was not until the Roman conquests that western counties discovered their culinary possibilities. Spices have always been believed to have healing and magical qualities. Indian spices offer significant health benefits and contribute towards an individual’s healthy life. They add flavour and nutrients to dishes without fat or calories. They come in different colours, red, yellow, green, brown, black, and brighten up our food palette! They add taste, colour and variety to the human existence and cause us to cringe in their absence. Just a pinch here or an extra there, can make a world of difference! Spice up your life with these herbs, roots, and plants that benefit your health as much as they do your taste buds:

From keeping our heart healthy and our arteries clear to reducing pain and warding off cancer, these everyday flavours add a healthy punch and zing to our life.A recent study published in online in the Journal of Nutrition, titled “A High Antioxidant Spice Blend Attenuates Postprandial Insulin and Triglyceride Responses and Increases Some Plasma Measures of Antioxidant Activity in Healthy, Overweight Men” has confirmed that Spicing up dinner may have metabolic benefits, particularly when it comes to insulin and triglyceride levels. Adding a combination of various spices – including turmeric, cinnamon, rosemary, oregano, garlic powder, and paprika – to a plain meal significantly reduced postprandial insulin and triglyceride levels.It has also been found that Antioxidants like spices may be important in reducing oxidative stress and thus reducing the risk of chronic disease. The study has confirmed that the addition of spices significantly reduced insulin and triglyceride responses to the meal, although there were no effects on glucose. Compared with the plain meal, insulin levels fell 21 percent and triglyceride levels dropped 31 percent after the spicy meal. It is recommended that incorporating spices into the daily diet may help normalize postprandial disturbances in glucose and lipid homeostasis while enhancing antioxidant defence. Here are a few spices that can be included in our culinary dishes regularly to keep us healthy and kicking with energy by accelerating our rate of metabolism:

1. Asafoetida (Hing) – also known as devil’s dung. It is a resin taken from a plant from the parsley family. It is a distinctive and pungent spice. It is most commonly found in powdered form. When cooked, it has a truffle-like flavour and a roasted garlic aroma. It is used mainly for its digestive properties, especially in the cooking of beans and lentils, as it is reputed to have anti-flatulence properties. Asafoetida was used in 1918 to fight the Spanish influenza pandemic. Scientists at the Kaohsiung Medical University in Taiwan report that the roots of Asafoetida produce natural antiviral drug compounds that kill the swine flu virus, H1N1. An article published in the “American Chemical Society’s Journal of Natural Products” states that thecompounds from this plant may serve as promising lead components for new drug development against this type of flu.

2. Ginger(Adrak) –It is a warming herb and is wonderful for nausea, indigestion, diarrhoea and upset stomachs. Its warming effects are great for the immune system and respiratory problems; Ginger stimulates circulation of the blood, and removes toxins from the body. Ginger is high in iron, magnesium, potassium and Vitamins C and E. Ginger also contains very potent anti-inflammatory compounds called gingerols. These substances are believed to explain why so many people with osteoarthritis

or rheumatoid arthritis experience reduction in their pain levels and improvements in their mobility when they consume ginger regularly. Gingererols inhibit the formation of inflammatory cytokines, chemical messengers of the immune system.

3. Cinnamon (Dalchini) – Cinnamon has a long history as a fragrant spice and as a medicine. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, cinnamon is known for its warming qualities which increase circulation. This enhances cognitive thinking and increases metabolism. Cinnamon contains antioxidants to boost the immune system and is an anti-blood clotting and anti-inflammatory food which helps arthritis pain and helps prevent heart disease, especially high cholesterol. Cinnamon also contains manganese, fiber, Vitamin C and calcium. Cinnamon’s unique healing abilities come from three basic components in the essential oil found in its bark. This oil contains active components called cinnamaldehyde, cinnamyl acetate and cinnamyl alcohol, plus a wide range of other volatile substances.Some of its reported uses are in cases of arthritis, asthma, cancer, diarrhoea, fever, heart problems, insomnia, menstrual problems, peptic ulcers, psoriasis, and spastic muscles.

4. Garlic (Lahsan) – closely related to the onion. It has a powerful pungent or hot flavour when raw, which mellows when it is cooked. It has very strong odour. Bulbs, whose segments are usually called “cloves”, are the part of the plant most commonly eaten. Garlic is used as a condiment and as flavouring agent. Garlic pickles and freshly ground garlic chutneys are popular side dishes for rice, snacks and chappathis. Garlic powder is made from ground dehydrated cloves and is used widely as a substitute for fresh garlic. There are two main medical ingredients which produce the garlic health

benefits: Allicin and Diallyl Sulphides. Garlic helps to purify the blood and lower blood pressure. It is considered as a cure for heart ailments. Modern science has shown that garlic is a powerful natural antibiotic. The bacteria in the body do not appear to evolve resistance to the garlic as they do to many modern pharmaceutical antibiotics. This means that its positive health benefits can continue over time rather than helping to breed antibiotic resistant “superbugs”. Studies have also shown that garlic – especially aged garlic – can have a powerful antioxidant effect. Antioxidants can help to protect the body against damaging free radicals.

5. Turmeric (Haldi)- Turmeric is another warming spice. Its orange/yellow gives Indian curries their distinctive colour. Turmeric is also an anti-inflammatory spice which helps persons with the symptoms of arthritis, and can help reduce cholesterol by preventing the build-up of plaque in the

arteries. Curcumin, or cumin, is one of the active ingredients in turmeric and helps break down fats in the body. Turmeric contains iron, magnesium, potassium and Vitamins B6 and C.Curcumin, turmeric’s yellow pigment, has demonstrated significant anti-inflammatory activity in a variety of experimental models. Clinical studies have further substantiated curcumin’s anti-inflammatory effects in rheumatoid arthritis. Curcumin helps the body to destroy mutated cancer cells, so that they cannot spread into the body and cause more harm.

6. Cayenne pepper (Lal Mirch)-Cayenne pepper is a warming herb which stimulates the system, improving circulation and helping in cholesterol reduction. It also improves the digestive system. Cayenne pepper is a good source of vitamin C and A, the complete B complex, calcium and potassium. For those with arthritis, cayenne pepper is an anti-inflammatory herb which can help ease pain. Cayenne pepper breaks up sinus congestion and is good for respiratory illnesses. The intense heat produced by cayenne pepper is produced by its high concentration of capsaicin. This compound is well recognized in clinical research as an effective pain reliever, as a digestive and antiulcer aid and for its cardiovascular benefits. In addition capsaicin has the ability to lower body temperature by stimulating the cooling centre of the hypothalamus in the brain, helping to deal with the intense tropical heat.

A low metabolism is indicated by lack of energy and weight gain. Although there are no easy ways to lose weight; we can increase our metabolism to insure greater success. Use of warming ingredients (spices) in our recipes spice up metabolism and help us in losing weight more easily. Certainly the number one way to increase metabolism is to exercise and deep breathing, but there are other easy ultra-metabolism ways through spicing up our recipes. A side benefit of using these herbs and spices is that they contain vitamins, minerals and antioxidants to give our body the added nutrition we need during any weight loss program. The spicy meals are well tolerated with no gastrointestinal effects, if taken in moderated quantity. Spices are a wonderful gift of nature to human beings to enjoy their food and also to keep them healthy. So do not be shy about experimenting with spices – with all the health benefits they have in store for you. Experiment with your own combinations of spices on the basis of your taste buds and health conditions, and create your own “Masala”for your healthy life.

Eco-Scope BiharExplosive Population Growth – The Time BombBy Prof Ashok Kumar Ghosh

It is estimated that the human population will cross seven billion this year—more than double what it was just 50 years ago. It is further projected that the world population will be around 10.1 billion at the end of this century,out of which approximately 8.2 billion will be living in less developed countries. It is also estimated that in next 39 years there will be some big shifts among the biggest countries. By 2050, India will surpass China as the world’s largest population, growing from 1.24 billion to 1.69 billion as China shrinks from 1.35 billion to 1.3 billion. And Africa’s population will likely have more than doubled by then, with Nigeria slated to catch up to the U.S. numbers. The figures described here has been published by David E. Bloom of Harvard University, Boston, USA in the July , 2011 issue of Science (AAAS).

The study has also predicted that the global life expectancy will rise from age 69 worldwide this year to 76 in 2050. By then, nearly a quarter of the world’s population is expected to be over 60—which is about double the proportion that it is today. The speed of migration from rural areas to urban areas will be accelerated. Currently just over half of the world’s population lives in urban environments, but by 2050, that figure is expected to be some 69 percent of the world’s 9.3 billion people.The recent increase in the world population has been catalysed due to the following major reasons:1.The increase in birth rates due to medical improvements2.The decrease in death rates due to better medical facilities and advancements in the field of medicine.3.The increased world’s food production in last ten years in past 10 years by 24 percent.

Is this projected population explosion a boon or a curse? For the European developed countries like Spain and Italy, where the population is decreasing, this

might be considered as a boon. However, for the developing countries like India, population explosion is a curse and is damaging to the development of the country and it’s society. The developing countries already facing a lack in their resources, and with the rapidly increasing population, the resources available per person are reduced further, leading to increased poverty, malnutrition, and other large population-related problems. This population explosion will pose many direct and indirect challenges in coming years. Some of the direct challenges will be:1. Increased Air Pollution Load2. Increased Water Pollution Load3. Unemployment and illiteracy4. Short Supply of Food Resources5. Pressure on Public Transport System5. Boom in the price of real state in urban areaThere will be many indirect consequences of this population explosion too – most serious being increased rate of Global warming through anthropogenic activities of this vast population. As the population will grows exponentially, more and more forests will be cleared. The two most common reasons for deforestation will be to make houses for increased number of people to live in, and to use wood as a fuel in the industries. As the forests are very good sink of greenhouse gases (GHGs) the declining forest cover will accelerate global warming.

As India is mainly an agrarian country, temperature and climate plays an important role in the economy of the country. Global warming will affects the main crops in India in 3 major ways:1. It is estimated that only a 2O C increase in mean air temperatures will be enough to decrease the rice yield by 0.75 ton/hectare in high-yield areas like Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Bihar.2. It is also estimated that a drastic increase in greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide may cause wheat production to fall as much as 68%.3. Additionally, the changing climatic conditions have the potential to significantly increase tropical disturbances like cyclones and storms. The rain fall pattern may change due to global warming disturbing the crop life cycle and yield.We’re already way past the carrying capacity of this planet by a very simple standard. If we allow the population growth like this, and we do not change our consumption pattern of natural resources, we will require seven earths to sustain life by the end of this century. Unfortunately till now we have only one earth, and in near future our scientific community is not in a position to create even one more earth. So the only choice is to check the population explosion and also modify our consumption pattern. We will have to work for a gradual decline in population, and also at the same time for a rapid change in consumption habits. Action plans and strategies can be developed to increase public understanding of

how rapid population growth limits chances for meeting basic needs. The spirit of open communication and empowerment of individual women and men will be key to a successful solution to many population problems. Teachers, parents, other educators, politicians and other concerned citizens can practice how to make good decisions in everyday life. Decisions about family size and resource will affect the future generations. Through community forums, specific issues about the population growth can be discussed and possible action plans can be developed. If we do not diffuse this projected” Population Time Bomb”, very soon it will become a political and social nightmare for planet earth.

Eco-Scope BiharRegulation of Ground Water Resource – Need of the hour!By Prof Ashok Kumar Ghosh

I participated in ‘Consultation meeting on the draft model bill for the protection, conservation, management and regulation of Groundwater Resources’ last Friday convened by Planning Commission of India,New Delhi. The objective of the proposed bill is to safeguard the ground water for our future generations. The bill is the need of the hour and without implementation of such bill for water governance, we are going to face severe water scarcity in near future.One of the main preambles of this bill is the need for protection of ground water from depletion, deterioration, biological and chemical pollution. It is a commendable initiative by Planning Commission of India.

Groundwater in India is a critical resource. However, an increasing number of aquifers are reaching unsustainable levels of exploitation. If current trends continue, in 20 years about 60% of all India’s aquifers will be in a critical condition says a World Bank report, Deep Wells and Prudence. This will have serious implications for the sustainability of agriculture, long-term food security, livelihoods, and economic growth. It is estimated that over a quarter of the country’s harvest will be at risk. There is an urgent need to change the status quo.Non-regulated use of ground water in for agricultureEffective regulation of ground water requires not only sound legislation but also the administrative capacity to monitor and enforce rules. This becomes extremely difficult when there are very large numbers of small users. Today, out of a total of 5723 groundwater blocks in the country, 1615 are classified as semi-critical, critical or over-exploited, and regulatory directives have been issued by the Central Ground Water Authority for 108 blocks. However, neither the Authority nor the state groundwater agencies have the resources or personnel to oversee the enforcement of these regulations.Precious ground water –can we utilize it like this forever?The water sector in different climatic zones of our country has since decades been exposed to increasing stresses, such as diminishing surface water resources,depleting aquifers,quality deterioration,inadequate water supplies and

infrastructure and salinization process. According to UNESCO more than 1.1 billion people throughout the world are affected by water shortage and the vast majority of these people are living in developing countries. India is the largest user of groundwater in the world, with an estimated use of 230 cubic kilometers of groundwater every year – more than a quarter of the global total. In fact, groundwater use has been steadily increasing in India over the last 4-5 decades. Today, groundwater supports approximately 60 percent of irrigated agriculture and more than 80 percent of rural and urban water suppliesWe have witnessed for decades:1. Increase in population2. Expansion in industrialization3. Improving living condition4. Development of agriculture and increasing use of chemicals – especially agrochemicals and detergents.To satisfy the increasing needs of development non-renewable ground water resources were developed, not only for municipal use, which can somehow be justified, but also for irrigation purposes without sound economic analysis, or provision of substituting these resources or putting investments to enable coming generations to generate similar resources. The results are depleting ground water resources and contaminated aquifers.The degradation in environmental quality is on the increase negatively affecting surface and ground water resources used for human consumption.The provision of waste water treatment and reuse, and recycling of solid waste are not adequate and are expansive to implement. Waste, especially liquid waste ending up in surface water bodies is causing the major quality problems. The problems are direct result of human activities and mismanagement by agencies related to water supply and sanitation.Overexploitation of fossil ground water for irrigational use is gradually leading to aquifer depletion even inIndia including our state of Bihar. There is also the emerging arsenic crisis in Ganga- Meghna- Brahmaputra basins of India. Of the use sectors which will be most suffering of that depletion is the irrigation sector with negative impact on society and state .The catastrophes will affect the socio-economic situation of agriculture depending on these ground water resources. Industries will be less affected and domestic use has to resort to alternative sources.In addition, increasing use of detergent and discharge of untreated municipal effluent containing phosphate and nitrate to diminish surface water sources, with high sun illumination and other conditions are gradually leading to increasing eutrophication problem of major surface water bodies. This is expected to render these water sources, presently used for drinking purposes, unsuitable for the same purpose, requiring advance and expensive additional treatment and control procedures.

The counter actions to reduce the negative impacts of such water quantity and quality deteriorations are1. Setting long term strategies for sustainable use of ground water,2. Introduction of plans and relevant programs in addition to implementation of remediation measures. These include waste water treatment and reuse scheme,3. Avoidance of surface water storage of treated water during the dry season and reducing the use of chemicals.4. Community management of Ground Water5. Promoting conjunctive water use in agriculture through micro zone planningUnless our country takes the necessary proactive measures to alleviate the problem of over exploitation of ground water anddeterioration in quality of surface and ground water, we will in the near future face immense water problem with all the attending socio-economic implications. There is a need to move from opportunistic exploitation of groundwater resources to more systematic evaluation of the status of both urban and rural groundwater use and the contribution it can make to meeting future demand.

Eco-Scope BiharDeoghar – a green destination in the month of ShravanBy Prof Ashok Kumar Ghosh

I am back home after spending three days at Deoghar. Deoghar is one of the main towns of Santhal Parganas in the state of Jharkhand. Deoghar literally means – the abode of GODS. It is a serene place with a picturesque, natural scenic location. Lush green forests of Data Jungle form the northern outskirts of this beautiful little town. Nandan Pahar and Trikutaparbata are two low hills with forest cover which lie to the north-east and west of Deoghar respectively. Many small hills also lie along the southern line. Yamunajor and Dharua are two creeks near the town. The town lies in a hilly tract surrounded by greenery. Deoghar has one of the 12 famous Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva as well as one of the 51 Shaktipeethas of Goddess Durga lying side by side. The place is called Baidyanath Dham and it is the only place in India where a Jyotirlinga and a Shaktipeetha coexist. The Puranas speak of theBaidyanath Jyotirlingam and it dates back to Treta period.

The temple of Baba Baidyanath dham is situated in a spacious courtyard bounded by stone walls. In the temple complex there are 22 other temples. The Baidyanath temple faces east .According to the Shiva Purana, it was in the TretaYuga that the demon Ravana, king of Lanka brought Shiva Lingam to Deoghar. The top of the original Shiva Lingam was slightly broken, in keeping with the legend that it chipped away when Ravana tried to uproot it. The Lingam has since been rebuilt. Near the temple is the Shivaganga Lake. The Chandrakoopa well, near the main entrance is said to have been built and consecrated with water from several pilgrimages by Ravana.

This time period is very significant for Deogharas pilgrims (Kawarias ) travel from Sultanganj to Deoghar on foot carrying Ganga Jal to be offered to Lord Shiva. The Distance is 105 KMs and the scene on the road is like an ongoing fair for one month. A large number of Kawarias (Dak Bums) cover this distance non-stop within twenty four hours. The festivities known as Shravani Mela continues

for one month during which this area becomes the centre of Shiva Aradhana . The devotees offer the holy water to one of the twelveJyotirlingas of Mahadev Shiva. According to my friends residing at Deoghar approximately one lakh devotees offer Ganga Jal to Lord Shiva every day throughout this month. It was a great experience for me to be among the Kanwarias and offer prayers in the temple of Shiva.Their spirit and endurance to complete this journey is exemplary. The best part of my entire trip to Deoghar was that despite lakks of devotees visiting this town every day, it was much cleaner as compared to our stinking city of Patna.

Eco-Scope BiharClimate Change knows no national boundaries: the need to change how we behave towards earthby Prof Ashok Kumar Ghosh

With ocean temperature hitting record highs, Arctic sea ice dwindling, and glaciers melting faster than ever, it seems that climate change is knocking on our doors.The urgency is suddenly hitting home for people all around the planet.The problems associated with the climate crisis seem to be far from being solved – in spite of intense International debate that have spurred by scientific studies of the International Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), in spite of Al Gore and Angela Markel, in spite of efforts such as Kyoto protocol, the UN meeting at Copenhagen in 2009, or efforts on the climate front taken worldwide, and in spite of the fact that the imminent catastrophe is continuing to send its apostles across.

The events in the first two thirds of 2010 as evidence for the catastrophe: the winter storm Xynthia in Europe at the end of February,the intense flooding in central Europe from May to early June that caused the second largest flooding in Germany, heavy storms and strong wind in the US in mid-May that altogether caused damages of about 7.1 million Euros, intense monsoon rains in Pakistanin July and August that endangered more than 15 million people homeless, and at the same time a large number of wildfires that burnt about 200,000 ha in Russia after a heat wave that lasted for several weeks. Finally, the north east of China was troubled by heavy flooding in August. It is estimated that the economic cost for unabated climate change will be about 900,000 Euros by 2050. While these are alarming issues that must goad individuals and governments out of slumber, there is a need to analyze the issues that lie at the root of the problem.Climate crisis is so complex that the resulting problems can only be solved if solutions take all the various global challenges and threats in to account.Population growth, excessive use of resources, emissions, and asymmetries in the economic system has resulted in four earth crisis. These crises

can be understood as dynamically developing critical processes which seriously endanger our current way of life.They entail:1. The consequences of climate change and the closely related question of energy supply. Climate change has a vast amount of serious effects. Long term disturbances in life supporting functions of our earth system which include not only easily noticeable drought and floods, but also substantial changes in the biosphere, especially in oceans and forests.2. A reduction in the supply of water and food due to the overuse and pollution of water and soil. Climate change worsens this crisis, especially through increased intensity and frequency of drought and floods.3. Social tension due to increased social injustice. The resultant instability and threats are magnified by the financial crisis or rather by the fracture in the global economic system. At the same time the consequences of climate change, especially the reduced water and food supply, is affecting the poor much morethan the wealthy, further increasing the tension between social groups.

4. The loss of biodiversity. It is well known that our earth is a” life supporting and stabilizing system” which – next to many other functions – is able to keep global temperature between 00C and 200 C.This temperature is regulated in parts by the large ecosystems of our planet, such as rain forests,wetlands and marine ecosystems. By now it is generally accepted that biodiversity is an essential precondition for the stability of the current earth system.

The earth crisis calls for a better understanding of our earth system and for sustainable solutions to all sectors- especially the water sector and addressing issues in the economy and development by everyone responsible person in the society and polity. The earth crisis demand transformation in our behavior towards earth. People across the globe need to unite in a bid to combat the environmental problems. It is not a country specific phenomenon and nature does not recognize national boundaries. Today there is a need for development of and education in environmental ethics.

Eco-Scope BiharBiomass Energy – Ideal alternative energy source for rural BiharBy Prof. Ashok Kumar Ghosh

Biomass materials have been in use since man’s cave-dwelling days for meeting various human needs including energy. The main sources of biomass energy are trees, agricultural products and animal waste. Until the middle of 19th century, biomass dominated the global energy supply with about seventy percent share. Biomass remains the primary energy source in the developing countries in Asia even today. Share of biomass in energy varies – from a very high over 75 in Nepal, Laos, Bhutan, Cambodia, Sri Lanka and Myanmar; nearly 50 percent in Vietnam, Pakistan and Philippines; nearly 33 percent in India and Indonesia, to a low 10 percent in China and 7 percent in Malaysia as reported by FAO.

India has a long history of energy planning and programme interventions. Programmes for promoting biogas and improved cookimg stoves began as early as 1940’s. Afforestation and rural electrification programmes are being pursued since 1950’s. A decade before the oil crisis of 1973, India appointed the Energy Survey Committee. The national biomass policy originated later, in the decade of 1970’s, as a component of rural and renewable energy policies as a response to rural energy crisis and oil imports.Among the biomass energy sources, wood fuels are the most prominent. With rapid increase in fossil fuel use, the share of biomass in total energy declined steadily through substitution by coal in the nineteenth century and later by refined oil and gas during the twentieth century. Despite its declining share in energy, global consumption of wood energy has continued to grow. In coming times biomass can meet some of this increasing energy demand, particularly in rural India as agriculture is the major source of livelihood. Biomass is generated in very huge quantity through agriculture, but it is not being managed properly. In this context the main questions are:1. What will be production costs for a specific utilization path in a region?2. Is it possible to produce the biomass-based energy competitively?3. How to attract investments in Biomass Energy Sector?4. What plant sizes should be practical and viable?

5. How many production sites are reasonable in any specific area?6. What is better, a central plant or a decentralized concept with transportation of raw material and product?According to a recent document published by Climate Change Community of Solution Exchange over 1.5 billion people are dependent on biomass for fulfilling their energy needs worldwide. India imports fossil fuels worth US $ 100 billion to meet 70% of its energy requirements. Exploring the potential of renewable energy is crucial for energy, economic security and also for Climate Change mitigation. Biomass contributes to around 30% of the total primary energy consumed in India and has potential of about 78,500 MW.

Agricultural residues can be utilized in India in mass scale for generating Biomass energy. About 225 million Tons of agricultural residue is burnt in fields every year. Technologies are available to utilize them as raw material for generation of Biomass energy, but awareness, technical and financial support is essential for dissemination. Involvement of Self Help Groups for managing agricultural residues is very important in adopting this alternative energy source. Equally important is development of transmission line for biomass energy. There are many challenges in promotion and popularization of Biomass Energy:

• Restrictive perception of biomass as a traditional fuel for meeting rural energy needs and focus on the supply-side push.

• Since energy markets are non-existent or weak in rural areas, the traditional approach did not consider any role for market in promoting biomass supply or efficient use.

• Limited capacity to assess and adopt technological options.• Lack of funds for research and development.• Few incentives for investment in biomass energy sector.• Limited number of skilled professionals.• High charges by the distribution company preventing third party

sale.

Husk Power System working in Bihar for supply of Biomass Power is one of great success stories in this field .This company illuminated the first village from its first 100% biomass based power plant that uses discarded rice husks to generate electricity in August 2007, and today it is the leading company to promote Biomass Energy for Rural India. Beginning with Tamkuha in Bihar, the ‘Husk Power System’ designed by NRI entrepreneur Gyanesh Pandey has gone on to dispel darkness in a large number of villages since its inception in India. Husk Power’s technology is simple by design: It utilizes waste from rice paddies as raw material and through biomass gasification process a clean fuel is produced to run a generator. Gasification is a technology that was developed since a century ago. Gasification technology developed quite well during the Second World War. However, this technology given up when liquid fuel became easily available at

cheaper rate. Now again this technology is gaining popularity because of environmental and economic factors. Gasification is basically a thermo chemical process that converts biomass into gaseous fuel through a gasification medium in the form of air, moisture or oxygen. Gas products in Gasification are commonly described as syngas or synthesis gas.The prestigious Ashden Awards for Sustainable Energy recognized Husk Power Systems last month for its work in rural electrification and empowerment in Bihar, India. It is estimated that the company has set up 65 rice husk based power generation plants, which serve over 25,000 households in one of the poorest regions of India. The company’s mission is ‘Tamaso ma jyotir gamaya’ or ‘From darkness to light’. Husk Power system is leading a revolution in electrification, helping the low-income people of Bihar out of the oppressive cycle of poverty by lighting their lives. With some more technological innovations and adaptations to local conditions the model of Husk Power System may be replicated on a large scale in rural Bihar and it may be a very significant tool for poverty alleviation. I Congratulate Mr.Gyanesh Panday and Husk Power system for their innovation and initiative to provide clean and green energy to rural Bihar, and also for Ashden Award.Future of biomass energy in India depends on providing reliable energy services at competitive cost. India has a Potential of 5000 MW of bagasse based and 16881 MW of agro residue based power production , but only 1338 MW and 861 MW respectively has been achieved till March, 2010.This gap can bridged only only if biomass energy services can compete on a fair market. Equally important is establishment of reliable transmission line for uninterrupted power supply. Policy priorities should be to orient biomass energy services towards market demand and forces. Most economical option for generation of biomass energy is utilization of waste materials. However, biomass waste is not sufficient to support the growing demands for biomass resources. Sustained supply of biomass shall require production of energy crops and wood plantations for meeting growing non-energy needs. Land supply, enhanced biomass productivity, economic operations of plantations and logistics infrastructure are critical areas which will decide the future of biomass energy in India.

Eco-Scope BiharThe Kosi confusion: First, understand how Kosi behaves and then look for solution!By Prof. Ashok Kumar Ghosh

River Kosi often described as the “Sorrow of Bihar” exhibits many unique characteristics. During the past few hundred years Kosi has shifted its course from east to west to a distanceof 300kms, leaving behind massive devastation and vast tracts of uncultivable land.The Kosi river system is the only Indian River whose hydrology is deeply influenced both by the regional geological complexities and inputs of annual precipitation and Himalayan glacier melts. This antecedent drainage system is notorious for its migratory trends, resultant flooding, and a huge detrital load of boulders and sand.

The magnitude of the shifting of Kosi river is comparable to only Yellow river also known as “Sorrow of China”, which shifted 375 miles north from its1852 position. Kosi is an antecedent river older than the mighty Himalayas and finds place in many Hindu mythological texts as a very agile river called “Kausiki”. Kausiki was a mermaid goddess worshiped by the citizens of “Matsya Pradesh” as described in the “Vishnu Purana”.Kosi and its tributaries originating in the northern Tethyan Himalayan zone cut across the Great Himalayanand Lesser Himalayan Ranges in a number of deep gorges and ultimately flow into the great alluvial floodplains of the Indo-Gangetic Plain. The Indo-Gangetic Plain is a deep crustal trough filled with Quaternary sediments. Its origin and structure are closely related to the rise of the Himalayas. Changes are still taking place at the bottom of this trough giving rise to occasional earthquakes in the north Indian plains..Neotectonic movements affect regional slope bysinking or uplifting a particular block of the crust. A change of gradient, even if very slow, affects thedirection and rapidity of surface run-off and river discharge.The folklore of Bihar’s Mithilanchal, which is among the world’s most impoverished regions despite its rich culture, has always been interlaced with the chronicling of the Kosi’s changing course. The first credible mapping of the meandering river was, however, attempted in 1779 by a British surveyor who

tracked its course since 1731. Over the past 250 years, the river has shifted about 120km from east to west but the .August 18, 2008 breach near Kusaha in Nepal was among the most devastating because the Kosi moved to the east — taking over a million people by total shock.Till now, the Kosi has already flowed through an estimated 15 courses during recorded history and, therefore, it is said that there is hardly an inch of land in Mithilanchal through which the untamed river has not passed at some point in time.Man has lived with floods since the very inception of his existence but the impact of floods was not felt in the past due to small population. With rapid growth of population, flood plains are now densely occupied. The wanton destruction of the forests for reclaiming areas for cultivation and other uses has resulted in an anomalous situation where floods have shown more destructive trend.The Kosi floods are predictable ecological event and it has devastated North Bihar many times, but still our politicians have paid no attention to the science of this river. The repeated inundations by the waters of the Kosi in Bihar and the resultant widespread human suffering have been declared a natural disaster. Year after year the kosi belt is devastated by flood and relief contributions pour in from national and International agencies. Political leaders keep busy blaming one another for small political gains. Water recedes ultimately and people start returning to their original habitat. Life returns to normal schedule, with a feeling that the natural disaster has been successfully taken care of. Most of money spent supposed to be spent on flood relief is swindled, and only a small fraction of relief material reaches the suffering masses.

Our political leadership is not aware of the immense risks associated with this casual approach to the flooding by this mighty HimalayanRiver. There is a need for a comprehensive report on the ecological background of the repeated Kosi tragedy based on interdisciplinary scientific studies.The problem, in its latest form, began after the Kosi was embanked in 1950.The jacketing of the river has proved to be disastrous. The river’s flow was controlled but there was no way to check the resulting siltation. This complicated matters and new threat is looming again this year as a good monsoon is predicted this year with heavy rain fall in Kosi catchment area. The position of Kosi after Kusaha breach in 2008 was the natural drainage position of that time due to tectonic changes after the formation of embankment. The Government of Bihar reverted Kosi to the pre 2008 breach, which was wrong step in my opinion. Our remote sense studies has clearly suggested that the eastern part of Kosi fan is subsiding and that has been confirmed by recent news coming in through print and electronic media – Kosi river is flowing deeper near the eastern embankment. There is high pressure on eastern embankment.I saw many visuals on TV channels last week with devastating Kosi threatening the eastern embankment of Kosi. There is urgent need to take precautionary measures to protect this embankment so that once again we do not face the

situation of 2008 by Kosi floods. There is also a need for in depth study for Geo- morphological study in Kosi Fan area and tectonic changed going on in this area. The ecological complexity of the Himalayan rivers is nothing new, but the knowledge of their hydrology and geomorphology is old, though it has remained underdeveloped. Owing to unexplained governmental reservations on disclosing detailed data on these rivers, related river research has not been taken up in the public domain. It will not be an unfair to say that the management of these rivers is going on without much contact with the advances in interdisciplinary knowledge on river systems made in the recent decades.Time is running out for India to take the difficult but inevitable path of using ecological sciences, instead of taking the unscientific escape route of describing extreme but predictable ecological processes as natural disasters. The cost of delay will be very high, in terms of frequent recurrence of the widespread devastation and human misery as we have seen in the case of the Kosi. In my opinion the best solution to solve the Kosi menace will be going back to the historical experience of living with the flood in the plains, allowing Kosi to follow its natural position and adjusting livelihoods and infrastructure to the annual inundation.

Eco-Scope Bihar26th JUNE, International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Drug TraffickingBy Prof. Ashok Kumar Ghosh

The United Nations General Assembly in 1987 decided to observe the 26 June as “The International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Drug Trafficking” as an expression of its determination to strengthen action and co–operation to achieve an international society free of drug abuse. Drug abuse is the use of a drug or other substance for a non-medical use, with the aim of producing some type of ‘mind-altering’ effect in the user. This includes both the use of illegally produced substances, and the abuse of legal drugs, in a use for which the substance was not intended. Often this involves use of the substance in excessive quantities to produce pleasure, to alleviate stress, or to alter or avoid reality.

Alcoholism and drug addiction is among the most prevalent, complex, and destructive illness in human society, they are found in every segment of society, regardless of race, religion, and socioeconomic class. Most significant is their impact on physical and mental health, family relationships and child development, road safety, criminal justice, and the economy.Children’s earliest interactions occur within the family and can be positive or negative. For this reason, factors that affect early development in the family are probably the most crucial. Children are more likely to experience risk of drug abuse when there is lack of mutual attachment and nurturing by parents, or ineffective parenting, or a chaotic home environment.Most of persons abuse drugs to help them change the way they feel about themselves and/or some aspect of their lives. They experience some problems associated with their drug use but use those experiences to set appropriate limits on how much and how often they use. Seldom, if ever, repeat the drug-related behaviours that have caused them problems in the past. Drug abusers get complaints about their using and accept those complaints as expressions of concern for their well-being.

People who are addicted to drugs experience negative consequences associated with using but continue to use despite those consequences. They set limits on how much or how often they will use but unexpectedly exceed those limits. They promise themselves and/or other people that they will use in moderation but break those promises. They often feel guilty or remorseful about their using but still fail to permanently alter the way they use.There are many signs and symptoms of drug addiction. Addiction to any drug may include these general characteristics:• Feeling that one needs the drug on a regular basis to have fun, relax or deal with their problems.• Giving up familiar activities such as sports, homework, or hobbies.• Sudden changes in work or school attendance and quality of work or grades.• Doing things one normally wouldn’t do to obtain drugs, such as frequently borrowing money or stealing items from employer, home or school.• Taking uncharacteristic risks.• Anger outbursts, acting irresponsibly and overall attitude change .• Deterioration of physical appearance and grooming.• Wearing sunglasses and/or long sleeve shirts frequently or at inappropriate times.• Not spending time with friends who don’t use drugs and/or associating with known drug users.• Engaging in secretive or suspicious behaviours such as frequent trips to storage rooms, restroom, basement, etc.• Talking about drugs all the time and pressuring others to use drugs.• Feeling exhausted, depressed, hopeless, or suicidal.There are seven categories of commonly abused drugs in our society – Cannabinoids (e.g., hashish and marijuana) , Stimulants (e.g., amphetamines and cocaine) , Depressants (e.g., Xanax and Quaaludes) , Narcotics (aka opioids and morphine derivatives, e.g., heroin, opium, Vicodin) , Hallucinogens (e.g., LSD and mescaline) , Dissociative anaesthetics (e.g., PCP) and other compounds (e.g., steroids and inhalants)The National Institute on Drug Abuse, USA has published a list of commonly abused drugs and their street names, along with intoxication effects and adverse health consequences. All of the drugs pose a high potential for addiction.Drugs and effects click on link for detailsThe web portal “Teen-Drug-Abuse” has many suggestions on how to talk to teens about drug use, which can be practiced by all of us as a part of campaign against drug abuse. Here are some of them which are simple and practical to follow:• Educate yourself – Find out about the issues. Check with local schools, agencies and information services for the resources you will need. Find books at the local library. The more informed you are, the easier it will be to discuss the issues.• Be accessible and open-minded – The idea is to open a dialogue. Listen to what your teens have to say. Ask questions and do not judge.

• Be clear – Your main message should be clearly stated: “don’t use drugs” should be the core theme of your discussions.• Keep it relaxed – Avoid the “We have to talk” approach. Relax and talk about it over supper or when you’re driving to the mall. If you are casual, it will help your children to be more honest and willing to talk.• Grab opportunities – Use teachable moments. If you have just seen a TV show or poster that discusses the issue, use this to allow the discussion to come up naturally.• Discuss peer pressure – Talk about ways to say no and how to deal with the pressures to conform and fit in.• Practice what you preach – Kids imitate adults. If you abuse drugs yourself, no matter what you tell your teens, your actions speak louder than words. Avoid being a hypocrite and perhaps it is time that you examine your own problem first. Educate, be accessible and open-minded, be clear, keep it relaxed, grab opportunities, discuss peer pressure, and practice what you preach.Today I appeal all my readers to pledge that they will never abuse drug, and be alert all the times so that none of their family members fall into the trap of drug addiction. I also appeal to break the silence – using the basic facts, talk openly in the family and community about the reality and danger of drug abuse and HIV & AIDS.

Eco-Scope BiharWorld Environment Day – 5th June, 2011: save forests and save our futureBy Prof Ashok Kumar Ghosh

Editor’s note: Since today is the World Environment Day, Prof Ashok Ghosh’s column is appearing today instead of Monday.

Today is The World Environment Day. I started my day with newspapers and a cup of tea .Almost all the newspapers were splashed with substantive coverage of world environment day (WED)-2011.It is good to seethat thelevel of awareness towards our responsibility to mother earth, and proactive role of media is increasing. The theme for this year’s WED is: Forests: Nature At Your Service.The theme is very timely and relevant, as the forests are the biggest protector for life on earth. They are being devastated by increasing pollution load at global level through anthropogenic activities.

As per UNEP statement “Forests cover one third of the earth’s land mass, performing vital functions and services around the world which make our planet alive with possibilities. In fact, 1.6 billion people depend on forests for their livelihoods. They play a key role in our battle against climate change, releasing oxygen into the atmosphere while storing carbon dioxide. “The forest is also considered as green lungs of mother earth which provides oxygen for survival of all seven million human beings on earth.Forests are also feeder for many of our rivers and are essential to supplying the water for nearly 50% of our largest cities on earth. They create and maintain soil fertility; they help to regulate the often devastating impact of storms, floods and fires. The forests are also rich reservoirs of biodiversity.The forests contain about 50% of nature’s biodiversity.It is estimated that there are about 1700 tree species, over 1200 species of birds, and thousands of microbes in forest ecosystem. 95 species of different ants have been found on a single tree of Amazon forest in North America.Scientists estimate that only 10 % of species of forests are known, may be less if we include microbial biodiversity.

The forest and tree cover of India as per the State of Forest Report 2009,prepared by Forest Survey of India ( based on satellite data) is 78.37 million ha in2007,which is 23.87 % of the total geographical area of country. In contrast the forest cover of Bihar is only 6,804 km 2, which is 7.23% of the state’s geographical area. Bihar has 231km2 very dense forest, 3,248 km2 moderately dense forest and 3,325 km2open forest.Comparison of the current forest cover (Satellite data of Oct 2006- Feb, 2006) with previous assessment(Satellite Data Oct- Dec, 2004 – Jan,2005) shows a loss of 3 km 2 of forest cover in Bihar.Bihar is left with very little forest cover after creation of separate state of Jharkhand. There is urgent need for rapid forestation in Bihar to protect its environment and climate.All of us will have to join hands and contribute towards this mission. I appeal to readers of my column to take the following pledge to celebrate WED 2011:

1. At least plant one tree every year – there is no upper limit.2.Say no to plastic bags – use cotton or jute carry bags3.Conserve water – recycle grey water4. Avoid use of CFC containing sprays and appliances to protect ozone layer.5. Use properly maintained fuel efficient vehicles to cut down emission of toxic gases.

Eco-Scope BiharIs Patna preparing or refusing to prepare for Monsoon: the state and status of our garbage!By Prof. Ashok Kumar Ghosh

Our state capital is one of those cities where we have become accustomed to seeing mountains of garbage on roads. It is a dreamland for industries related to solid waste disposal and generation of energy from waste. Patna High Court on April 26, 2010 in reply to a PIL, issued a directive to Patna Municipal Corporation to get sewer lines, drains and manholes cleaned. A division bench comprising Chief Justice Dipak Mishra and Justice Mihir Kumar also directed the civic agency to put dustbins across the city for collection of garbage. The bench asked PMC to take action against those found throwing garbage and polythene bags on the road.

More than a year has elapsed since this judgement, and despite the court order nothing has changed. A tour to different localities of Patna, even the so called “posh colonies” will give you an idea how seriously we take the court order. A few dustbins may be seen here and there but they are so over filled or mis-utilized that they are no more dustbin but monstrous stink bombs with foul smell, compelling you to run fast.The pre-monsoon cleaning of canals, the de-clogging of drains and the removal of silt from Canals in all the Divisions of the Corporation is progressing fast already. Majority of the city drains have been de-clogged. However all the solid waste extracted from open canals have been left on the road. There was a thundershower on 20th May, due to which half of the waste has already fed into the canals again. The remaining waste will go back to its origin at the onset of monsoon, leading to clogged drains.

The narrow roads have become narrower due to random disposal of the waste removed from the clogged canals. My residence is located in Professors Colony located near Mohanpur pump house, PunaiChak. I clicked a few photographs today to show the readers of my column the outcome of cleaning of the drainage in my locality.

A large number of drains have been constructed in Patna with a view to create efficient drainage system in the city, but the drains and manholes have proved to be a cause of concern for the residents of many localities of Patna due to their poor upkeep. At many places the manholes are located above the road. According to a rough estimate there are about a thousand manholes in the municipal limits of Patna. While the old city areas falling under the Patna City and Bankipore circles have less number of manholes, the new areas falling under the Kankerbagh and NutanRajdhani circles have majority of them. Many of the manholes are without cover, very risky for old persons walking through roads with open manholes. In many new colonies of Patna there is no systematic drainage system. There is the problem of temporary septic tanks through which ground water used for drinking is being contaminated. Kankerbagh, Patna City, Rajendra Nagar, Mithapur and MussalapurHaat, Khashmahal, Chitkohra and many more small colonies remain as dirty as ever. There are open drains, waste from households find their way directly to roads, meat is sold openly in places like Boring Road and Raja Bazar and defecation/urination in public is regular civic eyesores. The stench is sickening and repulsive.

There is a huge cow dung dump behind my house created by unauthorized persons keeping their cows in temporary hutments. Crows and dogs add to our woes by rummaging this waste. My seven year old grandson from Hyderabad came here to spent a few days, as his school was closed. Everyday in the morning during his stay, he used to stand on the balcony staring the cows and the heaps of cow dung at the back of my house. When he went back to Hyderabad, his friends asked him – what did you see in Patna? His innocent and spontaneous answer was cowdung and cowdung and more cowdung!That is the summary of the pre-monsoon status of our city – Patna.

Eco-Scope BiharIs Eucalyptus Tree Friend or Foe? Recent research shows no basis for bias!By Prof. Ashok Kumar Ghosh

Eucalyptus tree is one of the exotic trees grown in many parts of world, including India. Tailapatra, Sugandhapatra, Tailaprana, and NilgiriTaila are the other common names used for the Eucalyptus. Eucalyptus is a tall evergreen tree. It attains the height of more than 300 feet. Leaves of the tree on juvenile shoots are opposite, sessile

cordate-ovate and covered with a bluish white bloom. The adult leaves are alternate, lanceolate and are 6-12 inches long and 1-2 inches broad. It flowers are cream in colour. The appearance of its bark varies with the age of the tree. Its bark consists of long fibers and can be pulled off in long pieces.It was Baron Ferdinand von Müller, the German botanist and explorer (from 1857 to 1873 Director of the Botanical Gardens in Melbourne), who made the qualities of this Eucalyptus known all over the world, and so led to its introduction into Europe, North and South Africa, California and the non-tropical districts of South America. He was the first to suggest that the perfume of the leaves resembling that of Cajaputoil might be of use as a disinfectant in fever districts, a suggestion which has been justified by the results of the careful examination to which the Eucalyptus has been subjected since its use was initiated in medicine.Today, Eucalyptus is used worldwide in pharmaceutical products such as pills, liquids, inhalers, salves, ointments and even in sweets. It helps relieve symptoms of colds, flu, chest congestion, sore throats, bronchitis and much more. Eucalyptus is known for its use either as an essential oil or leaf tea for its ability to relieve congestion and ease breathing in colds. It oil is also used as the pain reliever foe sore and overextended muscles. The essential oil of Eucalyptus contains cineole, a potent antiseptic that helps in killing the bacteria and fungi. It helps in increasing cardiac action. It is taken in all types of fever. It helps in

purifying the blood. It lowers the blood sugar. It brings relief to the patients of Asthma and bronchitis. It is the excellent topical remedy for aching joints and rheumatism. It helps in improving the blood circulation. Eucalyptus is also used as the pulpwood in the manufacture of the paper as well as raw material. It is used as the poles for the construction of huts and houses. It is used in making plywood, doors and windows.

There is a myth that Eucalyptus trees absorb huge quantity of water and may deplete ground water. Despite the enthusiasm with which eucalyptus has been received and promoted by policy makers and forest department officials alike, its large-scale establishment in India since the early 1980’s has invoked passionate criticism from environmentalists, social activists and some NGO’s. There are many arguments against this plant:1. Eucalyptus is water intensive, and reduces water available for other species, effectively out-competing them. In arid areas, the consequent suppression of other plant life, coupled with a high water demand, reduces soil moisture, preventing the recharge of groundwater, and can reduce local water tables. This is exacerbated by a high transpiration rate indicative of the inefficient use of water.2. Eucalyptus is nutrient intensive, which creates deficits for other plant life, a process that is exacerbated by its low returns in leaf litter to the soil. Thus it does not promote the building of humus, and by implication, does not contribute to the long-term fertility of the soil, as other species might resulting in an overall nutrient impoverishment of the soil.3. Eucalyptus is toxic, due to allelopathic properties, which serve to reduce not only other plant life, including crops, by restricting germination of other species, but is also detrimental to soil micro and macrofauna.However, recent studies on water consumption of Eucalyptus contradictthis myth. A forestry investment body in Minas Gerais, a region of Brazil, has recently conducted a series of studies into the consumption of water in eucalyptus plantations. The data showed that, from an annual precipitation rate of 1299.0 mm, 57.1% (741.0 mm) was taken up by eucalyptus trees in the process of transpiration , 9.8% of the total rainfall (128, 0 mm) was evaporated (evaporation is the direct transfer of water from the surface of plants and soil to the atmosphere). Between 0.5 to 1.3% (16.9 mm) were taken directly from the soil surface and 31.8% (414.0 mm) infiltrated the soil and replenish the water course.

The conclusions drawn were that transpiration of 741.0 mm per year or 2.3 mm per day is similar to other forest species and perennial crop species and therefore, the information generated suggests that groves of eucalyptus trees do not consume excessive quantities of water. The nutrients in soil around Eucalyptus were also quantified, and it was observed that the effect of this plant is almost same as any other normal tree. Considering the benefits we get from Eucalyptus, we should promote growth of this plant without any bias.

Eco-Scope BiharAn Eco-spiritual experience – A day at BakhorapurBy Prof Ashok Kumar Ghosh

Last week was hectic for me with a combination of scientific activities and spiritualism. Two scientists Prof. J. Bruining and Dr. M.E. Donselaar, Erasmus Mundus academicians from Technical University, Delft, The Netherlands were with us for a collaborative research related to arsenic contaminated aquifers of Bihar. The study area for this project is Bakhorapur. I often saw many tempos and trucks in Patna carrying the slogan - ‘jai ma bakhorapur wali’, my arsenic research project gave me an opportunity to see this place and seek blessings from Ma Kali Bakorapurwali on last Tuesday.

Bakhorapur is village situated in BhojpurDistrict. This village is located at a distance of 65 kms from Patna, the capital of Bihar. Here is a famous temple dedicated to Goddess Kali. This temple was constructed in 1862. It was renovated in 2003 and construction work is still going on. The Temple committee is planning to put a huge idol of Ma Kali with a height of 105 feet. This temple is now attracting devotees and tourist from distant places. Majority of them are coming here to attain the blessings of Goddess Kali. Other than offering Prayers to Maa Kali, the Temple also helps thousands of poor people; achieve their dreams by providing free Sewing Machines, Tri-Cycles, sticks for blinds, and by arranging free marriage functions of girls from poor families. When we visited this temple many marriages were going on. It was good to see the rituals, colourful dresses, and also co-operation between different marriage groups. The best part of the marriage here was cost cutting and time management, suited to our rural economy.

The temple is renovated on very large scale and now it is a specimen of art and architecture. It is a beautiful temple which charms both devotees and scientific community. The temple committee provided help to our researchers working in Bakhorapur under very harsh and hot climatic conditions. A room was provided for night stay for them ,and food was also arranged by a small sweet shop run near Mandir. Without the help of Temple Committee and blessings of Ma Kali

our research work going on since last two months would not have materialized. Through this column, I convey my most sincere thanks to Ma Kali Mandir Trust of Bakhorapur.Ganga flows very near to Bakhorapur and the water of Ganga is pure and pristine here despite lots of pollution load from cities located westward to Bakhorapur. We are yet to test the water samples collected from Ganga,but visual observation indicates that water is good for bath and if filtered by ordinary sand filter ,even it can be used for drinking. We took a boat ride in Ganga with temperature at 410 C. It was very hot on the riverbank, but got cool breeze in between the two banks. The banks of river ganga at Bakhorapur is sedimentologists paradise with very good natural sedimentation layers ,very much intact and preserved due to limited anthropogenic activities.

Bakhorapur is important for another reason- ground water in this area is heavily contaminated by arsenic. We have detected arsenic level in ground water of Bhojpur up to 1861 ppb against the permissible WHO and BSI limit 0f 10 ppb for safe drinking water. More than six thousand drinking water sources of Bhojpur have been tested for arsenic content by my research group. Approximately 45% of tested drinking water sources had arsenic content of more tha 10 ppb. Many persons with visible symptom of arsenic poison have been identified by us. Our research group with visiting scientists are working on the sedimentology of the Ganga Basin and trying to formulate a predictive model for arsenic distribution in ground water of Bihar. For the first time, in scientific collaboration with the arsenic research group in A.N.College, two 50 meter bore wells have been drilled with complete core recovery. In addition, petro-chemical logs have been obtained in order to understand the distribution of permeability in the subsurface of the study area near Bakhorapur. Significant data has been generated for arsenic mobilization in the Gangetic Plains of Bihar. The initial findings indicate that the subsurface architecture in Bihar is different from other arsenic affected areas in the Bengal Delta Plain. The results will have a huge impact in current thinking of arsenic mobilization in fluvial environments.

It was also sad to see the local population of Bakhorapur drinking arsenic laced water despite ourreport related to arsenic contamination in Bhojpur District submitted to GoB and Unicef way back in 2006. There was no mitigation initiative in the villages I visited in this trip. I have advised the local population to revive the open dug wells in this area for arsenic safe water and alternatively drink Ganga water after filtering it by sand filter, till Government of Bihar makes alternative arrangement.

Eco-Scope BiharGangetic Dolphins face threat of extinction: a call for immediate interventionBy Prof. Ashok Kumar Ghosh

We do not know exactly that how many species there are in the world .We also do not know how fast they are disappearing. Less than two million have been catalogued and estimates of the total vary wildly, ranging from seven million to as many as eighty million. The currently accepted working estimate is fourteen million.Looking at on a geological timescale, the planet’s biodiversity has always been faced with threats of one form or another. Mass extinctions have a history almost as long as biodiversity. There are five known cataclysmic extinctions in the Earth’s history. The biggest, at the end of the Permian era 250 million years ago, which eliminated between 75 and 95 percent of all species, while the best known, 65 million years ago, saw the extinction of dinosaurs. The extinctions appear to have been caused by massive climatic disruptions, some at least due to anthropogenic activities.

Fresh water dolphin (Platanistagangetica) is one of the species facing the threat of extinction which requires immediate intervention by both scientific community and government. It has many common names like Ganges river dolphin, blind dolphin, Ganges dolphin, Ganges susu, Gangetic dolphin, hihu, side-swimming dolphin, Plataniste du Gange(Fr) and Delfín del Ganges(Sp) .It is the largest aquatic mammal in river systems with approximate Length of 2.70 meter for mature male and 2.12 meter for mature female.Ganges River Dolphins prefer deep waters, in and around the confluence of two or more rivers. They share their habitat with crocodiles, fresh water turtles and wetland birds. Being a mammal, the Ganges River dolphin cannot breathe in the water and must surface every 30-120 seconds. Because of the sound it produces when breathing, the animal is popularly referred to as the ‘Susu.’ The Ganges River dolphin is found in the Ganges, Brahmaputra, Karnaphuli and Meghna

River systems, from the foot of the Himalayas downstream to the upper limits of the tidal zone.The presence of dolphin in a river system signals a healthy ecosystem. Since the river dolphin is at the apex of the aquatic food chain, its presence in adequate numbers symbolizes greater biodiversity in the river system and helps keep the ecosystem in balance. Earlier this species was quite abundant, but there is evidence that populations have severely declined more or less throughout its range. A recent survey conducted by WWF-India and its partners in the entire distribution range in the Ganga and Brahamaputra river system – around 3,700 miles – identified fewer than 2,000 individuals in India.

Ganga, our most revered river is unable to sustain the population of freshwater dolphins found in our country. The dolphins living a pathetic life in the Ganga are fighting a losing battle for their survival due to high level of pollution and poaching for their precious oil. The water levels and flow patterns in rivers also greatly determine the spread and the migration of the dolphins. They are known to collect in deeper parts of the rivers with a preference for areas with eddies in the dry periods from October to April, and migrate to other stretches in the monsoons when the water levels rise. The health of the river, then, is crucial to the long-term well-being of the dolphin.Their life is threatened by local fishingcommunity, ecologically insensitive irrigation practices, and disposal of municipal waste into Ganga without any treatment. Polluted water flowing into the river from a number of tributaries is severely straining the habitat of these shy mammals. Adding more to its miseries is fast depletion of water in Ganga due to construction of more than 50 dams for short term gain. Heavy siltation is also leading to decreased depth of river Ganga.The population of the district of Patna is 5.77 million, with a density of 1803 per km2, as of the 2011 census of India.The majority of this population has habitations on or near the banks of Ganges.The sewerage generated by this huge population goes mostly without any treatment into Ganga.As per the information available from CPCB, about 250 million litres/day of sewerage is generated from Patna town alone, whereas total installed capacity of the three treatment plants located at Saidpur, Beur and Pahari is only 105 million litres/day.Even if we assume that the three treatment plants are running to its full capacity, there is a gap of about 145 litres/day ofsewerage going into Ganga untreated every day. The fact is that most of time these treatment plants do not run due to power shortage, or mechanical defects, or both. The impact of this huge pollution load on Gangetic Dolphin can be imagined by anybody without any scientific research.I have visited Vikramshila Ganges River Dolphin Sanctuary near Bhagalpur many times in last seven years. The dolphins receive very little protection along the course of the Ganga. The fishermen flout norms to carry out large-scale fishing in the protected areas.Despite being an endangered species, little research has gone

into understanding the behaviour, migration and precise population size of dolphins in Ganga. There is no proper scientific census on their population and migration. There is a need for year-round surveillance of dolphins to protect this endangered species. There is a need of intensive awareness program to protect the Gangetic dolphins. Following initiativesare required for the long-term conservation of the Gangeticdolphins.• Micro dolphin monitoring units should be formed in association with local communities in the identified important dolphin habitats. These units must be equipped with modern sophisticated instruments to monitor the dolphin population and their behaviour in Ganga.All the units should be networked to a central authorityto create a scientific database of dolphins in Ganga,Meghna and Brahamputra rivers.• Fishing community should be educated to identify the dolphins and protect them.Stringent legal action must be taken against any person responsible for poaching of dolphins.• During the rainy season, dolphins usually migrate through the tributaries of river Ganga. Steps should be taken to protect these seasonally migrating dolphins. All the tributary mouths must be treated as important dolphin habitats and fishing controlled in these tributary mouths.• A detailed scientific study should be undertaken on the ecology, behaviour, biology and genetics of the Gangetic dolphin, which will help in the long term conservation of dolphins.

Eco-Scope BiharHar Har Gange…By Prof Ashok Kumar Ghosh

I go for Gangasnan every year twice – once on Satuani and second on Mahalya for Tarpan to our family members who are no more in this physical world. This ritual is going on continuously since my father expired. Earlier I felt very fresh after Gangasnan, but during past few years, I do not feel as good before because of the clash between the scientist and a follower of Hindu religion within me.

River Ganga sustains the agro-based economy of the Indian Plains, and also has religious and cultural connotations for the teeming millions residing along its banks. River Ganga is held in high esteem since time immemorial and Hindus from all over the world cherish the idea of a holy dip in the river under the faith that by doing so they will get rid of their sins of life.

More than 400 million people live along the Ganges River. An estimated 2,000,000 persons ritually bathe daily in the river. To millions of people it is sustainer of life through multitude of canal system and irrigation of the wasting load. The current environmental changes induced by anthropogenic activities are increasingly affecting the unique physico-chemical properties of this great river water. Simultaneously, glacial recession in the Himalayan source region of the Ganga due to current global warming, is affecting the flow of the Ganga river system. Construction of a large number of dams on Ganga between Gangotri and our city Patna is further aggravating the situation.Our study has revealed that there has been a rapid decrease in glacial cover in the Himalayan source region of the Ganga. The reduced volume of river water is leading to ecological disaster in Bihar in the form of truncated channel flows, and increasing sedimentation. A rapid shift in the river meander occurred in western part of Bihar state within past few years, which also may be attributed to active neotectonics, as revealed in the basins of the Bagmati and Kosi rivers- tributaries of the Ganga. This, along with pollution load, has aggravated aquatic life, as revealed in large-scale herniation in the zooplanktons.

Our study has confirmed that pollution and climate change is altering the ecology of the Ganga Basin in the state of Bihar. As per the BSI standard, while the level of coliform present in water should be less than 500, present level of coliform at all the Bathing Ghats of Ganga at Patna has recorded more than 500. It is estimated that about Rs.350 Crores were spent through Ganga Action Plan to clean Ganga; the outcome was 75% pollution load increase. In Patna alone there are twenty nine Nallas disposing untreated sewage into Ganga. Loss of natural vegetation of Diaraland is also adding to siltation. The depth of Ganga has decreased from thirty five ft to fifteen ft since 1985 due to heavy siltation.

Millions of liters of sewage is daily disposed into Ganga from the municipal towns located at the bank of river Ganga. Apart from sewage, disposal of half-burnt human bodies in Ganga and hazardous medical waste from the hospitals due to lack of an incinerator are also adding to pollution levels in the Ganga. There is no land for disposal of dead body at Patna. There is no budget in Patna Municipal Corporation for disposal of dead bodies. The irony is the fact that we, the Hindus address Ganga as mother and we are the top polluters of Ganga. Everyday tons of garbage in plastic bags are dumped in Ganga as the outcome of religious rituals by us.

I interviewed many persons on Ganga Ghats of Patna, and found that there is lack of awareness among masses about the effect this waste on Ganga. There is a need for concerted effort by general public, media and NGOs. And Government bodies to keep Ganga healthy and clean so that we make take bath with Har Har Gange coming from our heart.

Electronic Waste (e-waste): Hazard of Modern LifeBy Prof Ashok Kumar Ghosh

There was a news published in Telegraph on 7th March 2011 which stated that Kolkata is generating much more electronic waste than a few years back and very little of it is being recycled, increasing the risk of an environment disaster. Time has come to take notice of such news as e waste is going to be another manmade disaster on earth very soon.The electronic industry is the world’s largest and fastest growing manufacturing industry of modern age. During the last decade, it has assumed the role of providing a forceful leverage to the socio – economic and technological growth of a developing society. The consequence of its consumer oriented growth combined with rapid product obsolescence and technological advances are a new environmental challenge – the growing menace of Electronics Waste or e-waste. Electronic waste or e-waste is made of those electronic equipment/ products that connect with power plug, batteries which have become obsolete due to advancement in technology, changes in fashion, style and status and nearing the end of their useful life.Today every house in urban area including slums has one or more electronic equipment. It has become a daily life requirement, business necessity, and also status symbol .More than 40-50 million tons of e-waste is produced worldwide per year, out of which Asia generates about 12 million tons/ year.50-80% e-waste collected in US and other developed countries exported to third world countries including India.

Today E-waste has become the fastest growing component of municipal waste. India alone generates more than 3million tons of e-waste, out of which 12.6% is recycled. The annual growth of this hazardous waste is growing at the rate of about 30% per year. Approximately 20 to 24 million computers and televisions are added to storage each year. About 400 million units of computers and televisions are expected to be scrapped by end of current decade.There are some disturbing statistics related to e-waste:

1.20 million electronic household appliances including TV, washing machines, PCs etc, and 70 million cell phones reach end-of-life every year worldwide. The recent study predicts e-waste generation will shoot up nearly six times within a decade.2. About 70% of the heavy metals (mercury and cadmium) and 40% lead, in landfills in India come from e-waste.3.22% of the yearly world consumption of mercury is used in electronics manufacture.4. More of acid content of e-waste flow into the land contaminating the soil and land.5. About 70 %, of heavy metals in India landfills comes from e-Waste.6.One of the most threatening substances is lead, of which only 5 % is recycled in India.7.Indians upgrade or exchange their cell phones every eighteen months, meaning there are approximately sixteen million unused mobile phones stashed away at home or in the office.8.Average working life of a mobile phone is seven years but worldwide the average consumer changes their mobile every eleven months9.Indians purchased sixty million mobile phones in past five years.10. Approximately seven hundred million obsolete phoneswere discarded in 2005 contained an estimated 560,000 kg of lead in the form of solder.It is an emerging problem as well as a business opportunity of increasing significance, given the volumes of e-waste being generated and the content of both toxic and valuable materials in them. The fraction including iron, copper, aluminium, gold and other metals in e-waste is over 60%, while plastics account for about 30% and the hazardous pollutants comprise only about 2.70%.Solid waste management, which is already a mammoth task in India, is becoming more complicated by the invasion of e-waste, particularly computer waste. E-waste from developed countries find an easy way into developing countries in the name of free trade is further complicating the problems associated with waste management. The composition of toxic chemicals in an average 32 Kg of e- waste generated through computers is: Plastic -7.24 Kg, Lead -1.98 Kg, Mercury – 0.603 g, Arsenic – 0.4095 g, Cadmium – 2.961 g, Chromium – 1.98 g, Barium –9.92 g, and Beryllium – 4.94 g.The reasons for this alarming increase in quantity of e waste are :Rapid globalization, high obsolescence rate, inability of technology to support up-gradation, cheap components used in the electronic equipment, low cost of electronic products pushed by China in Indian market and increasing purchasing power of middle class.The most common process of disposal of e waste is Incineration – a process of destroying waste through burning. Because of the variety of substances found in e-waste, incineration is associated with a major risk of generating and dispersing contaminants and toxic substances. The gases released during the burning and the residue ash is often toxic and this happens as there is no prior treatment nor sophisticated flue gas purification. Studies have

shown that copper, which is present in printed circuit boards and cables, acts a catalyst for dioxin formation when flame-retardants are incinerated. These brominated flame retardants when exposed to low temperature (600-800°C) can lead to the generation of extremely toxic polybrominated dioxins (PBDDs) and furans (PBDFs). PVC, which can be found in e-waste in significant amounts, is highly corrosive when burnt and also induces the formation of dioxins. Incineration also leads to the loss valuable of trace elements which could have been recovered had they been sorted and processed separately.There are many adverse health impact of crude disposal of e waste, such as:1.Reproduction: damage to both male and female reproductive systems, including interfering with development of the testes; reduction in semen production and quality; abnormal morphology of sperm; low egg hatchability; and reduced fertility rates.2.DNA: damage in lymphocytes, fetal and developmental toxicity; growth retardation; abnormal brain development, which can result in intellectual impairment; and possible long-term impacts on memory, learning and behaviour.3.Nervous System: damage to the central nervous system (CNS) and blood system, including CNS depression and neurotoxicity; immune system suppression, including inhibition of a key blood cell enzyme.4.Organs : damage to the brain, including swelling; liver, including liver necrosis; kidney, including renal toxicity; thyroid; pancreas; lymph nodes; spleen; and bone, including bone toxicity.5.Skin : contact dermatitis; skin lesions; carcinogenic, including tumour promotion and lung cancer; anaemia; CBD (a currently-incurable, debilitating disease that can sometimes be fatal); and mortality.6.Hormonal System : disruption to endocrine systems including the oestrogen, androgen, thyroid hormone, retinoid and corticosteroid systems; inhibition of human androgen hormone reception; and ability to mimic natural oestrogen hormones, leading to altered sexual development in some organisms.7.Others: hypertension (high blood pressure); cardiovascular and heart disease; respiratory tract irritation, including irritation of the nose, mouth and eyes.There are a few recommendations which may check the growing menace of e-waste: Promote recycling units to ease process and to encourage generators to have proper e-waste disposal, impart training to generators on e-waste handling, undertake awareness program on recycling, fix duties and responsibilities to recyclers, provide tax incentives for scrap dealers, reward and reprimand schemes for performance and non-compliance of e-waste management, Government should subsidize recycling and disposal industry, incentive schemes for garbage collectors, general public and impose disposal fee from manufacturers and consumers.

EcoscopeWater Hero-Green WarriorBy Prof Ashok Kumar Ghosh

Today everybody is talking about Anna Hazare and his crusade against corruption. However, there is one more chapter in Anna Hazare’s life, which is related to water management for economic development of rural India. Anna Hazare demonstrates the power of the individual which transformed rural economic through proper practice of traditional water management. .Hazare, a former army truck driver, fought 1965 Indo-Pak War. He was a self-described brawler before he decided to change his life, and his village, Ralegan Siddhi. As a result of Hazare’s effort, his village became a model of rural economic development in India. This village is a self-sustained model village. Energy is produced in the village itself from solar power, biofuel and wind mills. In 1975, it used to be a poverty clad village.

Now it is one of the richest villages in India. It has become a model for self-sustained, eco-friendly and harmonious village. He introduced traditional water management practices to transform the village. He advocated the building of small check dams and canals, which enabled villagers to grow new crops. Trees were planted and slopes terraced to help retain rain water .After twenty years of such efforts, the village has now water all year around. Hazare, strongly influenced by the teachings of Gandhi, says: “It is impossible to change the village without transforming the individual. Similarly, it is impossible to change the village without transforming the individual. Similarly it is impossible to transform the country without changing its villages”. Anna Hazare is one of the Water Heroes of India besides his many other achievements.The model has been introduced in Bihar also with positive results. Two watershed schemes of Banka District in the state of Bihar, India – Baratanr and Heth Chanan watersheds, both located in the Chandan drainage basin – have been studied by my research group. The village has been transformed by the efforts of a NGO – Indian Rural Association (IRA) with financial help from NABARD. Er.K.K.Sharma has worked tirelessly in this area to transform a drought prone area into a green belt through introducing traditional water management practices. His efforts have led to increases in surface water availability, ground

water level and soil moisture. Rapid soil erosion due to deforestation has been controlled both by treatment and by reforestation procedures. Immediate impact is felt in agriculture productivity, with an increase of irrigated land and single cropping gradually giving way to multiple cropping patterns. The case studies show the importance of participatory approach in effective watershed management. Notable also is the innovation in standard procedures of watershed management that is based upon traditional knowledge and existing resources. Following measures have led to the transformation of this area.

1.A total of 42291 cubic meter of Field Bunding in Heth Chanan and 37455 cubic meter in Baratanr with a cross section of 0.60 sq. m. for checking soil erosion and loss of fertile top soil; grass seeding on bunds to strengthen and stabilize the slopes.2. Water Absorption Trenches/Cattle Protection Trenches with a cross section of 1 sq. m. both for checking soil erosion and preventing grazing of horticulture and plantation fields.3. Continuous Contour trenches of 800 m. per hectare in Heth Chanan, and 600 m. per hectare in Baratanr4. Earthen Gully Plugs to reduce velocity of runoff, increase percolation within the gully, and facilitate recharge of wells on the downstream side.

5. Earthen and Concrete Check dams.6. Reforestation through mango plantations and Acacia trees

Ultimately the sustainability of this initiative is gradually paving the way for socio-economic development. Recently Er.K.K.Sharma got Green Warrior Award by CMS Vatavaran, New Delhi for his tireless to improve the socioeconomic condition of rural Bihar through watershed management. There is a need to replicate this model to improve the socio-economic condition of rural population of India.

Eco-scope Bihar

Natural Disasters: Angry God or Plate Tectonics?By Prof Ashok Kumar Ghosh

The biggest natural disaster of this century amplified by anthropogenic activities hit Japan in March,2011 in the form of Earthquake followed by tsunami, followed by nuclear power plant radiation leaks .After taking stock of the impact of this disaster , Tokyo governor, Shintaro Ishihara, declared that the earthquake/tsunami/ reactor tripleheader was “divine punishment” for excess consumerism. We have to think today – why our stable world is suddenly cracking. We have to find answer – whether it is angry gods or plate tectonics leading to these fdisasters? But whatever the answer is, the number of natural disasters which has devastated our planet in recent times is a warning to all of us to change our life style. If we continue with our current life style and population growth is not controlled, we will require seven earths by the end of this century. Unfortunately we have only one earth till date, and no scientific breakthrough is expected to create any new earth in near future. Here is the list which all of us should take notice of:1. Japan EarthquakeEarthquake hit Japan in March; 2011.The earthquake was of magnitude 9.0 on Richter scale off the north-east coast of Japan, which was followed by a 15-20m high tsunami. The human cost was more than 10,000 dead and 17,000 missing. The economic cost was £ 189billion.

2. Brazilian LandslideThere was a major landslide in Brazil in January, 2011: Torrential rainstorms triggered mudslides in the mountainous Serrana region outside Rio de Janeiro, the worst natural disaster in the country’s history. The Human cost was 916 dead and 345 missing. The economic cost estimate was £ 187 million.

3. Australian Floods Australia was hit by massive flood in November 2010-January 2011. Queensland and Victoria was hit by floods of very high magnitude. The human cost was 37 dead and nine missing. The estimated economic cost was £ 19 billion. It was projected as Australia’s costliest natural disaster ever.

4. New Zealand earthquake New Zealand was hit by earthquake in February, 2011: Earthquake was of magnitude 6.3 on Richter scale. It hit the city of

Christchurch leading to major devastation. The estimated human cost was 166 dead and economic cost about £ 4.5-6.75billion.

5. Sri Lankan floods Sri Lanka was devastated by flood in January-February, 2011: Devastating floods hit the country due to excessive rainfall. There was more rain fell in Batticaloa than it normally gets in a year. The human cost was estimated at 62 dead and 1.1 million displaced. The Economic cost estimated at £300 million.

6.Burma earthquake Burma was also hit by massive earthquake in March,2011. This earthquake was of magnitude 6.8 on Richter scale .The earthquake struck about 30 miles north of Tachileik on the Thai-Burma border.The estimated human cost was At least 75 dead and more than 110 injured. The economic cost is yet to be estimated.

7.Philippines floods Philippines was hit by strong flood in January-March, 2011.Heavy rains continued from December last year.The human cost was at least 75 dead and many enjured. The estimated economic cost was £ 27 million.

8. South Africa floods South Africa was hit by severe storm, lightening and floods in January,2011.The estimated human cost was 91 dead and 321 injured. The economic cost was £ 73 million.According to Bill McKibben , an author and environmentalist “We’re now moving into a new geological epoch Anthropocene – a world remade by man, most obvious in his emissions of carbon dioxide. That CO2 traps heat near the planet that would otherwise have radiated back to space – there is, simply, more energy in our atmosphere than there used to be. And that energy expresses itself in many ways: ice melts, water heats, clouds gather. 2010 was the warmest year on record, and according to insurers – the people we task with totting up disasters – it demonstrated the unprecedented mayhem this new heat causes.”I personally appeal to my fellow human beings living on planet earth to change their life style and limit their demands , so that our future generation may lead a healthy life on one and only one available earth.

Eco-scope BiharArsenic contamination: community participation and private ownership the only solutionsBy Prof Ashok Ghosh

Of all the planet’s renewable resources, water has a unique place. It is essential for sustaining all forms of life, foodproduction, economic development, and for general wellbeing. It is impossible to substitute for most of its uses, difficult to de-pollute, expensive to transport, and it is truly a unique gift to mankind from nature. Water is also one of the most manageable of the natural resources as it is capable of diversion, transport, storage, and recycling. All these properties impart to water its great utility for human beings.With the unprecedented rise in global population beyond 6 billion, clean water, one of the fundamental resources is decreasing in quantity. Simultaneously, areas of abundant water sources are declining in quality. Relatively recent exploitation of ground water in South Asia alone has revealed arsenic content in the tapped aquifers.The crucial global issue of arsenic contamination in the ground water reserves arises from the fatal health impacts of Arsenic through direct consumption of contaminated water, or through contaminated food chain, or both.This natural deposit has slow but deadly human consequences, which include scaling and pigmentation of the skin, stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, numbness in hands and feet, partial paralysis, blindness and other fatalities. Arsenic has also been linked to cancer of the bladder, lungs, skin, kidney, nasal passages, liver, and prostate.Many people consume arsenic contaminated water without realizing it and grow to accept their slow health deterioration. World Health Organization (WHO) has therefore deemed it a global public health problem, affecting more than 130 million people in 70 countries. WHO standard has defined safe arsenic levels at no more than 10 parts per billion (ppb).

The discovery of arsenic contaminated aquifers in the western district of Bihar through initial random survey in 2002, confirmed the spread of arsenic contamination to upstream areas of River Ganga from the Bengal Delta Plain. Subsequent experimental intensive testing of all public hand pumps in operation

within a 5-km. belt along the banks of River Ganga exposed the spatio-temporal patterns of the number of arsenic contaminated aquifers and contamination intensity.My research group has identified 16 arsenic affected district till date,the worst affected among them being Bhojpur and Bhagalpur. Highest arsenic levels indrinking water samples ranged from 350 ppb to over 1000 ppb. Water, with a maximum of 1851 ppb.This alone has rendered over 728 thousands persons accessing those hand pumps, susceptible to arsenocosis. The geographical and socio-economic backgrounds of the densely peopled Indian Plains have posed aserious challenge to arsenic mitigation techniques. Much of the flood plains are subject to annual inundation that compels the rural population to migrate seasonally. The largelyagricultural population has a very low per capita income. Malnutrition and low literacy levels have also acted as impediments to any development initiative. Consequently, general apathy exists among the affected villagers towards these schemes. Non-existent medical facilities and lack of sanitation and hygienic behavior over most of the arsenic affected areas are other banes in this rural environment. Against this backdrop, mitigation strategies undertaken to cope with arsenic contaminated drinking water sources, are rainwater harvesting units, provision of piped water from arsenic-free aquifers, restoration of open wells, construction of new Sanitary wells ,and use of domestic arsenic filters.All of afore-mentioned schemes, though well-conceived, could not be sustained due to the following mainreasons-1. The required structures for these mitigation schemes are being constructed randomly, and are insufficient for the dense population.2. Water quality monitoring units exist at Panchayat level, but there is a lack of follow-up action and lack of communication between the Panchayat. Hence the concept of a decentralised, demand driven water quality initiatives is being compromised.3. Failure of the authorities to undertake monitoring and maintenance work in the post-constructionphase has rendered the projects defunct.4. District-level water quality monitoring laboratories are defunct due to lack of maintenance and lack oftrained staff.5. There is a lack of awareness and sensitization to arsenic contamination, and lack of ownership among the largely illiterate population. These factors have been the biggest contributory factors towards the absence of public participation in these government schemes. Hence, community mobilisation is the sole answer to proper implementation of these schemes, in which private ownership is to be promoted.For the first time , Lehigh University in Bethlehem, USA and A.N.College, Patna have responded to address these constraints by installing the firstt community-based wellhead arsenic removal unit in a remote village – Ramnagar, Maner, in the state of Bihar, India. The unit is based on adsorption technology developed by Lehigh University, USA. The project has been funded by Tagore-SenGupta

Foundation. This unit will serve about 200 households of this village with approximately 7,000 liters of treated water produced per day, supplying nearly 1,000 villagers with arsenic-safe water. This unit can provide water without requiring electricity or external addition of chemicals. Many of these units have been running satisfactorily for several years under the supervision of a villagers’ committee in West Bengal.

The easy-to-operate unit provides arsenic-safe drinking water using re-generable arsenic adsorbents and can be started or stopped with no real time lag. When the filter is exhausted, the absorbent material is regenerated through a simple process consisting of a well-aerated, coarse sand filter at a central location, thereby decreasing the waste volume by “cleaning” the adsorbents of collected arsenic and catching the leftover arsenic-sludge in the filter. The cleaned absorbent material is then returned to the water unit, filtering water as if the unit were new. This disposal technique, developed and validated under rural conditions, is scientifically more appropriate than dumping arsenic-loaded adsorbents into landfills, which is the typical practice in developed nations or just recycling it to ground water which is the typical practice in developing or under developed nations like India and Bangla Desh. The Department of Environment and Water Management, A.N.College, Patna with the help of local community will monitor this arsenic removal system regularly to maintain its quality with the proactive support of the community. This project is trying to transfer the technology for arsenic removal through community participation.

Eco-scope BiharLight Pollution: how it is disrupting our biological clocks and life cyclesBy Prof Ashok Kumar Ghosh

Light pollution is a problem for everyone today residing in metros and big cities with high population density and crowded neighbourhood. Have you ever had trouble sleeping because of a too bright city or neighbour’s light glaring into your bedroom window? I have, and I had to purchase black shades for my windows last year when I was visiting Germany for my research assignment. Even in Patna I have put heavy curtains of dark shade in my bed room to sleep without the intrusion of unwanted light.Excessive use of artificial light is becoming a danger to our planet.This is not only affecting natural beauty but human beings, animals, birds and vegetation are struggling to manage their biological clocks. Thus, the life cycle of living beings is also being affected by light pollution. Many people don’t know about light pollution but it has spread in almost every country of the planet earth including India. The whole world is now facing the problem of light pollution and many people and governments are unaware of its disastrous effects. Light Pollution is one of the fastest growing and most pervasive forms of environmental pollution, according to many environmentalists, naturalists, and medical researchers. Scientific research suggests that light pollution can have lasting adverse effects on both human and wildlife health. It is estimated that the 50,000 streetlights in Zürich kill more than 1 million insects/night.In UK, large moth species declined by 1/3 in 28 years & some species by up to 98%.Today light pollution is not just a North American or European problem.It seems that big cities in India are also grappling with this growing issue. According to an article in The Times of India, Delhi stargazers are struggling to find a way to see the bright lights in the sky. And in fact, experts from the Light Pollution Science and Technology Institute who have studied NASA satellite maps explain that light pollution in India is no less than that experienced by residents in North American or European cities. Light is considered as a pollutant in modern times because excessive exposure of light disrupts biological rhythms.Plants and animals, including humans, have 24-hour (circadian) biological rhythms under the control of the daily light-dark cycle. Light pollution hurts diurnal and nocturnal species

by disrupting physiological rhythms, including hormone levels and also behaviour patterns (feeding, predator avoidance, courtship,migration).Excessive light also has adverse effect on reproduction, leading to population decline and secondary effects on other species (due to the interdependence of plants and animals) Light pollution has adverse effects on the ecosystem as well. The natural sleep cycle is disturbed, and the risk of breast cancer and prostate cancer is increasing, studies show. Migrating birds mistake the artificial light as the moon and get disoriented. Cicadas are singing throughout the day as the night light confuses their sense of time. The artificial lights make creatures great and small go against the laws of nature.Light Pollution may be classified into the following categories:• Sky glow: bright halo over urban, suburban, and some rural areas at night due to bad outside lighting• Glare: light that shines horizontally and directly into a person’s eyes• Light trespass: unwanted artificial light (floodlights, security lights, streetlights) that spills onto property which would otherwise be dark• Over-illumination: artificial lighting that is brighter and stays on longer than required for a specific activityLight Pollution may lead to many adverse Environmental Health Impacts, such as:• Insects flying around night lights become too exhausted to feed and reproduce, causing their populations to decline.• Insects are primary food source for many predators (e.g., bats, birds, lizards, frogs). Altering the balances compromises the food chain.• Bright lights disarm flying moths & other insects of their bat evasion system, tipping this evolutionary arms-race in favour of the predator!• Bright lights confuse navigation along migratory routes.• Declines in populations of moths, spiders, sparrows, and amphibians have been correlated with light pollution in the UK & elsewhere.• Insects are essential pollinators for many plants. Their decline leads to decline of many plant species – crops, shrubs and trees that provide habitat for many other species, ornamental plants, etc.I do not know a single person living in big cities who, from dusk to bedtime, is not exposed to some kind of electrical lighting, especially on dark winter days. Unfortunately, study after study is coming out linking this night time lighting to various ailments, almost always due to the effect light has on melatonin suppression. The latest findings published in The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, finds that exposure to electrical light between dusk and bedtime strongly suppresses melatonin levels and may impact physiological processes regulated by melatonin signalling, such as sleepiness, thermoregulation, blood pressure, and glucose homeostasis. So not only have researchers recently found links between light at night and cancer and

depression, there is now reason to further investigate its effect on blood pressure and diabetes.On a daily basis, millions of people choose to keep their lights on before bedtime and during the usual hours of sleep. Given that chronic light suppression of melatonin has been hypothesized to increase relative risk for some types of cancer and that melatonin receptor genes have been linked to type 2 diabetes, this finding could have important health implications for shift workers who are exposed to indoor light at night over the course of many years.It is advisable to use Night-Sky-Friendly Lighting.It should be aesthetically attractive and enhance neighbourhood appearance. It should allow people to move around safely – they should not be blinded by glare. The light beam should be angled on the ground – where it is needed.Light should not trespass onto others’ property and into their homes.Minimum and eco-friendly lighting should be used to save energy, money, and the environment and to also keep night sky unpolluted.

Eco-scope BiharSolid Waste Mismanagement in Patna: are we turning Patna into a city of garbage?By Prof Ashok Kumar Ghosh

The Patna High Court (HC) in the month of December 2010 directed Patna Municipal Corporation (PMC) to make effective its grievance redressal mechanism to address the civic needs of the people immediately (Reported by Times of India on Dec 6,2010).A division bench, comprising Justice Shiva Kirti Singh and Justice Ravi Ranjan, issued the directive while hearing the PIL of Jan Chowkidar seeking implementation of Solid Waste (Management and Handling) Rules, 2000, for removal of garbage from the city, garbage segregation and dumping of solid waste in a landfill which is being created on the outskirts of Patna. To improve the systems the following seven directives are given as per this rule:1. Prohibit littering on the streets by ensuring storage of waste at source in two bins; one for biodegradable waste and another for recyclable material.2. Primary collection of biodegradable and non-biodegradable waste from the doorstep, (including slums and squatter areas) at pre-informed timings on a day-to-day basis using containerized tricycle/handcarts/pick up vans.3. Street sweeping covering all the residential and commercial areas on all the days of the year irrespective of Sundays and public holidays. Abolition of open waste storage depots, and provision of covered containers or closed body waste storage depots.5. Transportation of waste in covered vehicles on a day to day basis.6. Treatment of biodegradable waste using composting or waste to energy technologies meeting the standards laid down.7. Minimize the waste going to the land fill and dispose of only rejects from the treatment plants and inert material at the landfills as per the standards laid down in the rules.Despite all the court order and presence of a huge organization known as Patna Municipal Corporation, Patna is one of the worst cities of India from the point of view of solid waste management. We pay municipal taxes ever year for services which are non-existent. The dead bodies rotting on busy roads are common sight. Solid waste management is one among the basic essential services provided by

municipal authorities in the country to keep urban centres clean. However, it is among the most poorly rendered services here – the systems applied are unscientific, out dated and inefficient; and population coverage is extremely low. Waste is littered all over leading to insanitary living conditions.Municipal laws governing the urban local bodies do not have adequate provisions to deal effectively with the ever growing problem of solid waste management. With rapid urbanization, the situation is becoming critical.Patna with a population of over 18 lakhs (estimated), is fast acquiring the features of the Metros in terms of Solid waste generation.Our students studied the Solid Waste Problem in six areas of Patna with reference to the total generation of solid wastes/day/household, quality of the solid waste, awareness level and performance of PMC. The waste generation as per our study was 0.498 kg./capita/day. Organic content in the waste was very high – 79 to 84 % in the waste generated by Patnaites. In our survey 98.9 % of the people were ignorant about the services provided by the PMC.As per our estimate the total solid waste generation in Urban Patna is about 694 metric tonnes /day. The dustbin: population ratio in India varies between 1:130, whereas in Patna it is 1:2389.The infrastructure available to dispose off this load of solid waste is not sufficient.The problem is not only due to malfunctioning of PMC, it is also due to lack of civic sense in persons residing at Patna. We love to through garbage on the gate of our neighbour. We love to urinate on roadside. We spend lakhs of rupees in construction of houses, but hate to spend even 100 rupees on sanitation and drainage. This mind set is primarily responsible for the unscientific systems of waste management in our city. There is no practice of storing the waste at source in a scientifically segregated way. Citizens have not been educated to keep domestic, trade, and institutional bins for storage of waste at source and stop littering on the streets.There is a need of joint effort by government bodies and individuals to scientifically manage solid waste of Patna; otherwise a day will come when Patna will be branded as a city of garbage.

ECO-SCOPE BIHARDisappearing wetlands of Bihar: the case of Kabar Tal, Begusarai

By Prof Ashok Kumar Ghosh

Wetlands can be defined as water bodies that endure long enough to develop specialized biota, tolerant of the water-logged conditions. Wetlands are dynamic in nature, waxing and waning with the change of seasons. They play a unique role not only in the evolution of micro-ecosystems, but are definite determinants of the economic activities of the local population in developing communities. Their existence and survival are, therefore of prime concern in the field of Environmental Conservation. Among the twenty wetlands identified in Asia, four cover the Indian soil. These are North Indian Wetlands, South Indian Wetlands, Assam Plains, and Bay of Bengal coast. Kabar Tal or lake is located near the eastern fringe of the North Indian Wetlands, and is sustained by the Ganga drainage system. This wetland is undergoing rapid change, initiated by neotectonic activity of the Mid-Ganga Plains and exacerbated by interference of the rural population of the region.Kabar Tal is one of the largest freshwater wetland ecosystems of the Gangetic Plains. Situated in the district of Begusarai in Bihar, Kabar Tal lies about 22 km northwest of the district headquarters of Begusarai. The nearest village to the lake is Manjhaul. Kabar Tal, a residual ox-bow lake, was formed by the meandering Gandak River. Its height is 40.42m MSL. It covers an average area of 6737ha, the spread changes from 9053 ha in the Monsoons to 2031ha in the dry season during a year. The catchment area of Kabar tal is delineated by the higher northern part that acts as a water divide. The river Burhi Gandhak in the south and west forms the other catchment boundaries.

The southern 15 km long irrigation channel constructed in 1951 to drain the excess water for agricultural purposes connects the lake to the river Burhi Gandak. But it is not working well as the level ofKabar Tal is about 8 feet higher than the level of the Burhi Gandak so that only a little water can enter the lake that too only during high floods in the river. This lake by being located on higher ground also recharges ground water aquifers in the region.Kabar Tal is of great socio-economic importance in terms of fish, fodder, fuel and

water supply. A large population living in and around the wetlands depends upon it for resources and sustenance. The transitional nature of Kabar Tal in terms of overall spread, depth, and water quality has favored the evolution of a wide diversity of flora and fauna that have been providing sanctuaries to migrating birds and fishes. The enormous size and rich bio-diversity have resulted in its selection as one of Wetland of National Importance. It is one of the 21 wetland selected for conservation, by the National Wetland Committee, and was a proposed RAMSAR site of the Government of India. There is an island in the lake, which is known as “Monkey Island” due to frequent visit of monkeys. Palm trees abound on the islands but they were never tapped. There is a temple on the island, a small shrine dedicated to “Jaimangla” the other name of Goddess Durga or Bhawani, a painted figure of who may be seen in the niche opposite the low door in the front of the building. The building is believed to be very ancient and considerable sanctity is attached to it. Pilgrims come to it from distant places especially during the Durga Puja.This wetland is highly productive and provides economic support to the local people, especially the Sahnis [landless fishermen around the area whose only source of sustenance is the lake and its resources]. But due to the changing character of the Kabar Tal, the outlet canal stopped functioning and the water level in the lake increased, making it apt for the wetland habitat. At present, there is no inflow-outflow mechanism in the lake. Extensive deforestation, overgrazing, unsustainable agricultural practices, and over exploitation of biomass for fuel, fodder and timber purposes have over the years stripped the land of its natural vegetation cover resulting in erosion. This in combination with sediment load from Burhi Gandak further adds silt to the lake.The lake bed is encroached by the rich farmers who overexploit them. As there is no boundary demarcating the Bird sanctuary and Lake Area, this encourages illegal poaching. The rich farmers, realizing the impending loss, deliberately widened the outlet canal so that water could not stay for long periods and they could practice agriculture. This resulted in social conflict between the Sahnis and the rich farmers. Casteism further widened the gap between the rich and the poor leading to usurping of the lake ecosystems and depleting the resources.Further, it has been declared as a Bird Sanctuary, “a protected area”. Hence, the conflict faced by the Kabar Tal wetlands has two levels. At the First level is the conflict between the primary stakeholders: the fishing rights of Sahnis and the agricultural practice by the rich farmers. Second level is – conflict between people and Government regarding the ownership and the rights.In the midst of these, lies the basic truth that Kabar Tal has been shrinking at an abnormally high rate, as exemplified by a comparison of remote sensing pictures taken in 1984 and in 2004 in the dry month of March by my research group. The lake covered 6786.05 hectares in 1984, but in 2004 revealed shrinkage to 6043.825 hectares. It has further decreased in area since 2004 for which our

study is continued. There is rapid decline in the number of migratory birds in this wet land area.There was a time when many tourists visited this place, but with the rapid decline in the area and quality the tourist inflow has come down to almost nil. This site had potential to be one of the high point for ecotourism in Bihar, but due to lack of concern both from Government and local population today, it is nothing but a deteriorating marshy land. I appeal to the Minister of Department of Environment and Forest, Government of Bihar through this column to take initiative to restore the glory of Kabar Tal, and develop it as a tourist spot of Bihar.

ECO-SCOPE BIHARAir Pollution in Ganga basinBy Prof Ashok Kumar Ghosh

A few years ago when my friends asked me about air pollution in Bihar, I used to laugh and reply that thanks to lack of development and lack of industrialization in Bihar, we do not have much threat of air pollution here.However, things are changing and we can not see Bihar in isolation, as it forms part of the Ganga basin. The Ganga basin is in turn a part of the composite Ganga–Brahmputra–Meghna basin. Large-scale and rapid urbanization and industrial development in this region have caused high pollution levels in air, water and land. Rapid population growth has further aggravated the situation.The Ganga basin is bounded by the Himalayas in the north, the Aravalli in the west, the Vindhyans and Chhotanagpur Plateau in the south and the Brahmaputra ridge in the east. The Ganga is the major river flowing in this basin which covers about one-third of the agricultural land of India with a major portion of the agricultural yield. About 460 million people live in the basin out of a total population of one billion. Numerous industrial cities (New Delhi, Kanpur, Banaras, Patna and Kolkata) are located in the basin. Most of these cities are situated along the Ganga River. Increasing aerosol loading has been observed for this region in recent years.Higher levels of pollution in this zone may affect the formation of clouds high in the Himalayas, disrupting monsoons and speeding a thaw of glaciers. Microscopic particles in the air that can be seeds for water droplets have been observed at 5,079 metres above sea level in this zone. It is because there’s a lot of pollution in the valleys which rises and meets clean air masses higher up. The particles might come from smoke from people burning wood in Himalayan valleys. Or some might have a natural origin – from vegetation.There is possibility for wider risks to the cloud-forming mechanism.Rising air pollution levels in South Asia will have worldwide environmental consequences. Transport of pollutants from the densely populated regions of India, Pakistan, China and Nepal to the Himalayas may lead to substantial warming effect in South Asia. In turn, that could affect the formation of

monsoons, disrupt the regional climate and have “dramatic impacts on glacier retreat” in the Himalayas,The U.N. Climate Panel said last year that Himalayan glaciers, which feed rivers on which hundreds of millions of people depend, could shrink to 100,000 square kms by 2030 from 500,000 now because of global warming. Every year heavy fog disrupts life in northern India, disrupting rail, road and air traffic.There is urgent need to control air pollution in both urban and rural area. The biggest contributor for air pollution in urban area is transport – particularly the road transport. Most of the motorizedvehicles on road are not properly maintained.The vehicles are not following the standard environmental norms and the monitoring is very lax.On the other hand in rural area the biggest contributor for air pollution is burning of wood and cow dung cakes for cooking, which emits excessive smoke. The large number of livestock is also responsible for huge amount of Greenhouse gases emission. In 2006, the United Nations Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) reported that livestock accounted for 18% of greenhouse gases, making livestock emissions “one of the most significant contributors to today’s most serious environmental problems.”However recently, Worldwatch Institute, a Washington D.C. environmental think-tank, reported that livestock emissions actually account for 51% of greenhouse gases.It is advisable to replace livestock products by soy-based and other alternatives products.The listed benefits of doing so include slowing climate change, helping to ease the global food and water crises, improving health and nutrition, and creating additional and safer jobs.Bihar has a vast area of agricultural land which can be utilized for this purpose and it has the potential to become the hub of agro based industries of India.

ECO-SCOPE BIHARInterlinking of Rivers in Bihar – Disaster “Risk Reduction” or “Risk Promotion” ?

By Prof Ashok Kumar Ghosh

I came across two interesting news clippings last week. The first was the news about the report of United Nation on natural disaster.The report says that in the past two decades, 2010 was one of the deadliest years for natural disasters.The United Nations (UN) has warned that unless better preparations are put in place, many more disasters can be expected in years to come. Some 373 natural disasters claimed the lives of more than 296,800 people last year, affecting nearly 208 million and costing nearly $110 billion, according to annual data compiled by the Center for Research on the Epidemiology of Disasters (CRED) of the Université Catholique de Louvain in Belgium, and supported by the UN International Strategy for Disaster Reduction (UNISDR). Asia remained the region most prone to natural disasters. An estimated 89 % of the total number of people affected by natural disasters last year resided in Asia.The second news was about proposed interlinking of rivers in Bihar. It states that in a significant step towards putting Bihar on the development map, Nitish Kumar’s ruling government is to start interlinking rivers in the state. It has been planned that in the first phase of this project there will be interlinking of the Burhi Gandakriver with Noon, Baya and Ganga rivers and it will start by mid-2011/12. The total estimated cost of this project is above Rs.4 billion.The second news was alarming for me as the interlinking of the rivers is going to increase the possibilities of natural disasters in Bihar, which is already prone to it.Bihar is located in seismologically sensitive zone. Natural disasters are thrashing Bihar almost every year. Unless we act now, we will see more and more disasters due to non-sustainable projects and environmental degradation. Weather-related disasters are sure to rise in the future, due to factors that include climate change.The interlinking of rivers will certainly disturb the fragile balance of the entire ecosystem of Bihar, inviting more natural disasters. Earth movements have been influencing the Ganga Basin and much of Bihar falls

within the earthquake hazard zone. Structurally, the state occupies a part of the Indo-Ganga Trough, filled with fluvial deposits. This down warped segment of the basal rock has a large number of transverse faults that extend north-south or northeast-southwest below Bihar plains. Any dislocation along these faults generates earthquakes. Seismic activity, an important cause of earth movements, is frequent and intense here. The earthquake vulnerability zones extend from ZONE III in south Bihar to ZONE V in the extreme north. During the 1934 earthquake, the Bagmati changed its course near Muzaffarpur, followed by violent changes in the other north Bihar rivers, like Kosi, Kamla and Balan. Again, link canals may involve ponding or storage of water, the seepage of which is likely to contribute to increased tectonic activity.Interlinking of rivers will be achieved by a combination of engineering measures such as dams, barrages, cross drainage structures and link channels. These measures are bound to have environmental and ecological impacts. The link channels of interlinking system will carry high discharge requiring large cross section. Such link channels will also cross natural drainage channels.It will lead to following consequences:* The link channels will be the source of massive loss of water through evapotranspiration. It will also create water logging conditions in certain areas.* There will be substantial displacement of people giving rise to problems of resettlement and rehabilitation. The resentment caused by such displacement will lead to social turmoil which will be difficult for Government to control.* The long link channels may pass through natural habitats of wildlife which will have serious and substantiveecological consequences.* Import of vast amount of water through interlinking of rivers in arid or semi-arid areas will adversely affect their dry land ecology.The drainage system of Bihar has sustained this land, the historical, economic and socio-cultural effects of which have withstood the test of time. Any alteration, natural and/or man-induced, is bound to alter the geography of this state, perhaps with repercussions that might be detrimental to the wellbeing of this state.Interlinking of rivers in Bihar would be environmentally disastrous, socially undesirable, and economically a blunder in long run. Today the world is talking about ‘disaster risk reduction’ as a strategic and technical tool for helping national and local governments to fulfil their responsibilities to citizens. The Government of Bihar is doing the reverse through Interlinking of river project – the outcome of this project will be ‘disaster risk promotion’.

ECO-SCOPE BIHARAsbestos: The ‘Killer Dust’ hovering over the Bihar skyBy Prof Ashok Kumar Ghosh

I was in Germany on24th November, 2010 when the landslide victory for Nitish Kumar was announced in Bihar assembly elections. One of my journalist friends called me and asked my opinion about the priorities and challenges before the new Government. My first reaction was –“Congratulations to all fellow Bihari’s for their mature verdict and to Mr.Nitish Kumar for his victory. Now the time has come for industrialization of Bihar for its economic growth.”I never imagined at that time that the first big news related to industrialization after the installation of NDA II government will be the proposed asbestos cement roofing sheet factory asbestos factory (BCRL) in the vicinity of flourishing habitation Marwan (Muzafferpur) inBihar. Deadly asbestos is known for its sinister effects, giving it the names ‘the killer dust’ and ‘the silent time-bomb’. The proposed capacity of the asbestos factory is 3,00,000 tonnes per annum (TPA)- more than sufficient for repeating a ‘Turner &Newall’ asbestos epidemic of UK. The health of a population of about 30,000 of Bishnupur-Chainpur village is threatened. It is also reported that there are around 15-20 schools within 1,000 metres from the site of construction. The likely effect of this asbestos factory on the health of the children studying in these schools has never been evaluated.Asbestos has been classified as a known human carcinogen (a substance that causes cancer) by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the EPA, and the International Agency for Research on Cancer. The World Health Organisation (WHO) has confirmed that asbestos result in lung cancer, mesothelioma, cancer of the larynx and ovary, and asbestosis (fibrosis of the lungs).Asbestos related lung disease has Long latency period, there is distinct Dose-response relationship, there is possibility of persistence of the risk after cessation of exposure, and there is no treatment or treatment is poorly effective. Besides the individual suffering the diseases cause to the patients with virtually no possibility of cure especially for mesothelioma and lung cancer, asbestos has caused and continues to cause enormous economic damage. Some numbers from my German contacts: In 2003 more than 1,000 cases of death from asbestos

(1,068) were recorded, after 899 in 1995 and 957 in 2000. And the peak to this development has not been reached. Due to the long latency period between exposure and the outbreak of the diseases it lies still in the future.We all are aware that there is no environmental and occupational health centres in Bihar. It has been scientifically confirmed that the lung cancer risk increases in population exposed to asbestos and risk multiplies in smokers. Unfortunately the rural population of Muzafferpur have very high number of Bidi smokers, which will be disastrous in combination with asbestos.

Lung Cancer risks from Asbestos(Source: Dept. of Labour and Industries- USA)It is strange that the Ministry of Environment and Forests awarded thisfactory environmental clearance, and even Government of Bihar provided green signal for its implementation.Despite a series of protests and demonstrations by locals and media outcry, to the best of my knowledge the project has not been abandoned yet. It is the responsibility of, doctors, trades unionists, scientists, and media to pinpoint and highlight the failures in screening process which led to permission for opening of this “time bomb” in Bihar. I appeal to the Ministry of Environment and Forest , Government of India and the Government of Bihar to re-evaluate the proposed asbestos factory and get fresh EIA (Environmental Impact Assessment ) done by qualified agency before it is given green signal , so that the health of the poor population living in its vicinity is not jeopardized.

ECO-SCOPE BIHAR

Every unusual or extreme weather event should not be branded as an effect of global warming

By Prof Ashok Kumar Ghosh

Global warming is a very commonly used word nowadays. Rather, it’s a hot topic of discussion for people of all ages. What is Global warming and what are the causes for these changes in our climate need to be understood more clearly before we comment on the changes happening around us.Climate Change is the change in global weather patterns: long-term alteration in global weather patterns, especially increases in temperature and storm activity, regarded as a potential consequence of the greenhouse effect.To justify and authenticate our views we need to understand the basics with its positive as well as negative points. One needs to ask oneself a few questions in order to present a balanced picture. But the answers do not lie entirely within the realm of science. Climate and human life are intricately linked and delicately balanced. Any climate change will not only affect the physical earth but also life on earth.The causes of Global Warming are many, but the main amongst them is the heating up of the earth’s atmosphere. With reference toour knowledge of the past climate records one has to realize that scientific meteorological records are very short compared to the climate time scale. We can find out about past climates from historical accounts, literature, and geological evidence or proxy indicators.Nature itself provides some evidence of how the climate might have been hundreds to thousands of years ago, through Tree rings, Sea corals, Lake and ocean sediments, Ice cores etc.Treating facts for what they are will help us adapt better and follow appropriate mitigation measures. The global, regional and local scenarios of climate change may be different and it is not fair to highlight one scenario and leave out the others. What is of global dimensions should not be applied on the local scale. What is of purely local importance should not be extended across a larger region. Widespread melting of snow and ice is an indicator of global warming. Retreating glaciers, decreasing land ice cover and decreasing sea ice extent.

In order to have a Holistic view, it is necessary to view climate change not in isolation but in a holistic manner. For example climate change is said to be the cause of unprecedented floods, but floods are not always due to heavy rainfall. They could be caused by release of water from reservoirs or due to inadequate drainage systems. Quite a lot is being said about the threat of droughts because of climate change, but we had major droughts in the past and great famines in 1918 and 1899. So we have to be prepared for drought anyway. Since monsoon rainfall comes only for 3-4 months in a year, we have to store and conserve water for the rest of the year. Not only is the climate changing, the people are changing, farmers are growing flowers and fruits in place of traditional crops, housing constructions are encroaching into flood-prone areas and also our lifestyles are changing.Our carbon-based energy resources are not unlimited and they are going to be consumed over a finite period of time. So whether the climate changes or not, we have to exploit alternative energy sources like solar and wind power which our country has in abundance. Indian scientists need to be much more actively involved in climate change research in three key areas, Monsoon, Sea level rise, Himalayan snow. For that we need to have Indian data, Indian models and Indian perceptions. In the meantime, climate predictions must be carefully studied and not accepted blindly .Every unusual or extreme weather event should not be branded as an effect of global warming.

ECO-SCOPE BIHARGround water: the most vital resource for BiharBy Prof Ashok Kumar Ghosh

In the final decades of the last century, advances in water well technology and hydrogeological knowledge facilitated a massive expansion in ground water use across the developing world – especially in Asia. Ground water became of major importance for supplying the growing population (about 2 billion in urban areas alone) and the expansion of industrial enterprises, and also for providing irrigation for both staple and cash crops (globally to more than 40 % of irrigated land)The provision of low cost, drought reliable and high quality water supplies has produced enormous social benefits, with many countries developing large ground water dependent economies. Further expansion of ground water resource development will be instrumental for achieving progress towards the “UN Millennium development Goals”. Moreover with climate change issues looming larger each year, ground water resources have come under increasing focus with realization that natural and enhanced aquifer storage can play an important role in adaptation strategies.In the developing world, the ground water resource has been seriously neglected in overall governance and practical management. Ground water stocks in many aquifers are vast but their replenishment is finite. Indiscriminte resource exploitation has widely led to serious water table decline,in some cases resulting locally in irreversible degradation associated with aquifer salinization, and/or land subsidence, and serious impacts dependent down gradient interests in stream based flow and/or aquatic ecosystem. In many areas (including Bihar) new problems like ground water arsenic contamination has emerged due to over exploitation of the aquifer.Concomitantly, there has been increasing pollution of shallow ground water- due mainly to uncontrolled urbanization and to some intensive agricultural production regimes, and sometimes to natural contaminant mobilization. The flow dynamics of many lower lying aquifers in particular means that they are the final ‘sink’ for pollution for the land surface and the nature of ground water system often means that their cleanup is technical, impractical or extremely costly. In other aquifers with more pronounced upland recharge area the ecological protection of these recharge areas is a critical, but achievable, concern.

All of the above are beginning to impact human livelihoods and health. Thus improving the management and protection of ground water represents a pressing need and, in many senses, one of the greatest challenges in stewardship of the natural environment. Mobilization on improved management and protection needs to be strongly participatory, integrated across sectors and at a wide range of scales. Ground water quality protection should follow a comparable strategy comprising the following steps:

• Systematic assessment of ground water pollution hazard – based on mapping of aquifer pollution vulnerability and subsurface contaminant loads.

• Definition of a ‘groundwater protection plan’ – to reduce this hazard in priority areas through differential land use management (involving an appropriate mix of local technical measures, stakeholder mobilization and regulatory control) and where necessary, restrictions on the sale of harmful agrochemicals.

• Profiling ground water users and uses – as a basis for understanding and communicating the socio-economic importance of the resource and the consequences of ‘non-action’ on its management and protection.

After the formation of Jharkhand, the truncated Bihar is left with water as the only significant resource to sustain its economy, and hence protecting, preserving and using it for sustainable growth of economy is most important challenge today

ECO-SCOPE BIHARWater Resource of Bihar – Will water crisis become endemic in thiswatersurplus state?

By Prof. Ashok Kumar Ghosh

Increasing global temperatures have caused widespread glacier recessions in the new fold mountain belts of the Himalayas. Glacial recession has affected the flow of the Ganga river system, its impact being enhanced by human interventions.There are many adverse effects of the current climatechange on the drainage pattern and river ecology of the Ganga system in Bihar. A rapid shift in the river meander occurred along Patna within a span of a few years. The reduced volumes of river water are leading to ecological disaster in Bihar in the form of truncated channel flows, and increasing sedimentation. This, along with pollution load, has aggravated aquatic life, as revealed in large-scale herniation in the zooplanktons. Also, abrupt drop in the river depth was indicative of local faults along the river bed, implying seismic impacts of ongoing changes in the river’s regime.Our studies have concluded that climate change, apart from affecting life forms, was also altering the geomorphology of the Ganga Basin in the state of Bihar.The northern part of the state of Bihar, India, has innumerable south flowing streams that are subject to annual inundation. The river basins bear numerous water bodies and marshy lands. A systematic study of wetlands of north Bihar was undertaken by our research group for the period 1984 –2004 through remote sensing data. The observations are very interesting and alarming. Rapid changes in surface water regime have been detected. There is a contradictory trend in eastern and western parts of the study area, the former showing expansion of surface water and the latter revealing rapid shrinkage of the same.Testing of groundwater used for drinking for arsenic has been undertaken more widely by our research group in several districts of Bihar with the support of UNICEF. Available data for sixteen districts are collated which provides the most up-to-date picture of areas known to be affected by arsenic in groundwater in the Indian portion of the Ganges-Brahmaputra river basin. Bihar is one of the states where the ground water is heavily contaminated with arsenic. In Bihar, on the River Ganges upstream of West Bengal, 66,623 sources from 11 districts have been tested and water samples from 10.8% of sources were found to contain

arsenic at concentrations greater than 50 μgL−1 and 28.9% at concentrations greater than 10 μgL−1.There is a proven correlation between high iron and high arsenic concentrations. Most of arsenic affected aquifers show very high iron content as well. Contrary to our preliminary assessment that arsenic hotspots clustered along the banks of the master stream, Ganga, the interfluvial terrain and Himalayan foothills in north Bihar also tested positive for arsenic contaminated ground waters, the latest concentrations being detected in Darbahanga-Purnea Belt and the Kishanganj- Supaul Terai belts.Hence, arsenic contaminations occur continuously from the northern foothills to the south Ganga Plains, with the typical spatial variations in contamination levels within short distances. General arsenic concentrations also recorded to be decreasing with increasing depth, with the sole exception of western Bhojpur district where shallow aquifers had less arsenic levels than the progressively deeper ones. Highest concentration of 1861 μgL−1 was recorded in this district, where out of 5420 hand pumps surveyed, 45% hand pumps had more than 10 μgL−1 arsenic.

In Bhagalpur district 4516 hand pumps were surveyed, out of which 24.78 % had more than 10 μgL−1 arsenic A large number of biological samples tested positive for arsenic toxicity. The study is still going on in several districts and the complete picture is yet to emerge in some areas. Deep groundwater in particular requires a comprehensive programme of supporting research to determine appropriate aquifers and ensure aquifers tapped remain safe from arsenic in the longer term. In this and other respects continued monitoring of groundwater quality in arsenic-affected areas is of the utmost priority.Fluoride contamination is another serious problem related to ground water of Bihar. Isolated pockets of intense fluoride contaminations have been found in the southern districts of Nawada [maximum 15.6 ppm], Gaya, Rohtas, and Munger and southern Bhagalpur district. Study of fluoride contaminations are in progress, the identified areas having aquifers at fluctuating levels and limited surface water resources in contrast to the northern water surplus districts. Villages with fluoride contaminations include Bhoopnagar and Masuribar of Amas Block, and, Bhaktauri, Kamalpur and Dhaneta of Bankebazar Block [Gaya District]; Rajauli, Kachariyadih and Muslim Tola [Nawada District].All the studies undertaken by our research group related to water quality and quantity indicate that the state of Bihar is going to face serious water scarcity in near future. Water crisis will become endemic in this water surplus state and urgent remedial measures are required to preserve and protect this precious water resource essential for our survival.