Introduction India is an agrarian country where a large portion of the population depends on agriculture for livelihood. With the rising population, rapid urbanization, and industrial growth, pressure on water resources has increased manifold. In this context, it becomes crucial to utilize water resources for multiple purposes. This is where Multipurpose River Valley Projects come…
Introduction The 21st century has witnessed an unprecedented acceleration in technological advancements. Among the most transformative are Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT), both of which have begun to redefine the landscape of environmental monitoring and conservation. With rising concerns over climate change, pollution, deforestation, and loss of biodiversity, traditional methods of…
Introduction In an era where environmental degradation and resource depletion are major concerns, the search for sustainable solutions often leads us back to age-old practices that have long coexisted with nature. Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) — the cumulative body of knowledge, practices, and beliefs regarding the relationship of living beings with one another and their…
Introduction Biodiversity, the variety of life on Earth, is crucial for maintaining ecological balance and providing ecosystem services that sustain human and non-human life alike. India, recognized as one of the world’s “megadiverse” countries, is home to a spectacular array of flora and fauna. Within India, certain regions known as biodiversity hotspots are of exceptional…
Introduction Desertification, often misunderstood as the spread of deserts, is in fact a process of land degradation in arid, semi-arid, and dry sub-humid areas due to various factors including climatic variations and human activities. It reduces the productive capacity of land, leading to a loss of biodiversity, livelihood, and economic security. Globally, over 24% of…
Introduction In recent decades, the frequency and intensity of natural disasters have escalated dramatically across the globe. These disasters—ranging from cyclones, floods, earthquakes, wildfires, and droughts—are increasingly linked to the growing impacts of climate change. Rising global temperatures, melting glaciers, erratic rainfall, and rising sea levels are not only environmental challenges but also catalysts for…
Introduction Soil is the cornerstone of agricultural productivity, biodiversity, and ecological balance. In a country like India, where nearly 58% of the population depends directly on agriculture for their livelihood, soil health becomes a critical issue. However, soil degradation—characterized by the decline in soil quality due to natural and anthropogenic factors—poses a severe threat to…
Introduction Ecosystems are dynamic networks of living organisms and their physical environments. Within these networks, various species coexist, interact, and depend on each other for survival. However, resources such as food, space, and shelter are often limited, leading to potential competition. If multiple species rely on the same resources, competitive exclusion may occur, where one…
Urbanization, the rapid growth of cities, has a profound impact on the local climate, creating unique microclimates that differ significantly from their surrounding rural areas. These urban microclimates are influenced by a complex interplay of factors, leading to a variety of localized weather patterns and environmental conditions. Key Factors Shaping Urban Microclimates Impact of Urban…
Introduction Biodiversity is a cornerstone of ecological balance and sustainability. However, one of the most significant threats to native biodiversity—often overshadowed by issues like pollution and deforestation—is the introduction and spread of invasive alien species (IAS). In India, a biodiversity-rich country with a wide range of ecosystems, invasive species pose a major threat to native…