India Information Sources, Economics and Business


Book Description

Subject bibliography of selected reference sources.







Applied Hydrometeorology


Book Description

Water is vital for life. Since the dawn of civilization, much effort has been made to harness sources of fresh water. Recent years have raised global awareness of the need for increasing demand of water worldwide, largely because of growing population, rising standard of living, higher demand for energy, and greater appreciation for environmental quality. As an example, the world population has increased threefold in the past five decades. In order to meet the rising water demand, water resources are being developed by building large dams, reservoirs, barrages and weirs across rivers worldwide. The guiding principle for water resources development has been to ensure adequate supply of water for agriculture, domestic use (including fine drinking water), waste disposal, industries, and energy production, with due attention to maintain the ecosystem functions. This development, however, depends on a holistic, cooperative and scientific approach. The basic inputs in the assessment of water resources for a given region are from hydrological data and the subject of hydrology forms the core in achieving sustainable development of water resources. Barring a few exceptions, hydrological data for most river basins are sparse and therefore it is difficult to comprehensively assess their water resources. The major source of water is rainfall which occurs as a result of condensation of atmospheric moisture governed by the science of meteorology.




Climate, Environment and Disaster in Developing Countries


Book Description

The world is currently experiencing changes in climate and environment that often lead to natural disasters. Nearly three million people worldwide may have been killed in the past 20 years by natural disasters. In total, 90% of the natural disasters and 95% of all disaster-related deaths occur in the developing countries. Recently such problems have accelerated due to LULC change, biodiversity degradation, increased tourism, urbanization and climate change. This book, consisting of 27 chapters, explores the topics of climate, environment and natural disasters in developing countries. It is essential to discuss these diverse issues in the field of geography as it encompasses interdisciplinary topics. The range of issues on national, regional and local dimensions is not only confined to geography but also concerned to other disciplines as well. Therefore, this book is a valuable source for scientists and researchers in allied fields such as climatology, disaster management, environmental science, hydrology, agriculture, and land use studies, among other areas. Furthermore, this book can be of immense help to the planners and decision-makers engaged in dealing with the problems of climate, environmental change and natural disasters in developing countries.




Hydrology and Water Resources of India


Book Description

India is endowed with varied topographical features, such as high mountains, extensive plateaus, and wide plains traversed by mighty rivers. Divided into four sections this book provides a comprehensive overview of water resources of India. A detailed treatment of all major river basins is provided. This is followed by a discussion on major uses of water in India. Finally, the closing chapters discuss views on water management policy for India.




Jute, Regional Focus


Book Description

Jute plays an important role in the economies of South Asian countries. In India alone it sustains some four million families. Jute: Regional Focus summarizes the jute sector in countries like India, Bangladesh, China, Nepal, Thailand, Myanmar, and Brazil. Starting from raw material availability, it mentions the consumption, production, export, and import of jute fibre and products. It also highlights the problems afflicting the jute sector like a stagnant yield, the lack of improvement in quality, the unremunerative price paid to the growers, the rising cost of production, the considerable competition from the synthetic sector, the demand erosion, the obsolescence of machinery, uneconomic working, etc. The book also discusses the competitive strength of jute against synthetics, possibilities of cost reduction, jute in relation to the environment, and the achievements of the International Jute Organisation. It also offers an insight into the implications of regional cooperation among the jute producing countries. It identifies the components of regional cooperation and investigates its importance and indispensability with reference to critical issues in the jute sector, as well as highlights the specific areas where some jute producing countries have contributed significantly. Certain examples where India has performed well in the field of diversification are given too.




Looking Back to Think Ahead


Book Description

Looking Back To Think Ahead Maps And Quantifies The Extent Of Damage To India`S Environment And Natural Resource Base That Accompanied Economic Growth During The First 50 Years After India`S Independence (1947-97). Guided By A Distinguished Team Of Advisors, The Study Report-Both In Detailed And Abridged Versions-Advocates For A Paradigm Shifts So As To Create Positive Impacts On The Environment While Realizing Healthy Economic Growth Rates. This `Looking Back` Provided The Foundation Of The `Think Ahead` Component Of The Study (Disha (Directions, Innovations, And Strategies For Harnessing Action). The Publication-Disha For Sustainable Development-Presents `Business-As-Usual` And `Alternative` Policy Scenarios For The Period 1997-2047, And Offers Quantitative Projections For The State Of India`S Natural Resources And The Environment Under The Influence Of Such Policies.




Forestry in Karnataka – a Journey of 150 Years


Book Description

The book traces the history of forestry since the middle of the 19th century in the erstwhile territorial units that constitute the present state of Karnataka, in India. It provides glimpses of the forest policy and management of the British Indian government which had laid the foundations of scientific forestry in the Indian subcontinent. A chronological account of the development of national forest policies, plans, and strategies in post-independent India has also been given in the context of their impact on forest management in the states. The book dwells comprehensively on multifarious aspects of forestry including the challenges faced by a forester in a situation of increasing demand and shrinking forest. It highlights the strengths and weaknesses of the forest administration and recommends strategies to protect the remaining natural forest and to increase the tree cover everywhere to effectively confront the specter of environmental catastrophes facing the planet earth. The book has brought out the inseparable and intrinsic relationship of mutual interdependence between forest and water – two of the most important natural resources on which the future of mankind depends, and calls for urgent action. With detailed data, analysis, and inferences derived with an open mind, the book forms a reference document for the present and future foresters. Problems of the forestry sector in the developing world are similar. Although the book focuses on the forestry scenario in Karnataka, lessons learned and strategies recommended for forest conservation are relevant across a larger landscape, with similar challenges and problems.