CURRENT AFFAIRS

The Indian Himalayan Region (IHR) is not only the ecological backbone of India but also the lifeline of Asia. Stretching from the high altitudes of the Himalayas to the hilly terrains of the northeastern states, this region sustains millions of lives, cultures, and water resources.

The modern world is transitioning from a “Take–Make–Dispose” model to a “Reduce–Reuse–Recycle” model. The concept of “Waste to Wealth” signifies this transformation — converting waste into a valuable resource or wealth.

In the 21st century, human civilization has achieved unprecedented progress; however, it has also intensified challenges such as climate change, biodiversity loss, and ecological imbalance.

Electronic waste or E-Waste refers to discarded electrical and electronic equipment that are no longer usable — such as mobile phones,computers, televisions, refrigerators, etc. These devices contain valuable metals (gold, silver, copper) as well as hazardous materials (lead, mercury, cadmium, beryllium). Therefore, proper e-waste management is not only an environmental necessity but also an economic opportunity.

In an agriculture-based country like India, the conservation of soil quality and fertility is extremely important. However, more than one-third of India’s land area is affected by land degradation. This is not only an environmental challenge but also a question of food security, livelihoods, and climate change adaptation.

India is moving rapidly toward urbanization — by 2030, nearly 40% of the country’s population will reside in cities. However, this urban growth is also generating a mountain of solid waste.

India is the 13th most water-stressed country in the world (World Resources Institute, 2023). Major metropolitan cities — Delhi, Chennai, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad — already face severe water stress. In such a scenario, water recycling and reuse have become essential components of sustainable development.

In India, groundwater is the largest source of water for drinking, irrigation, and industrial use. However, this vital resource is now facing severe contamination and depletion.

Water pollution is a serious environmental challenge in India. Rivers, lakes, and groundwater are increasingly burdened with industrial waste, domestic sewage, and chemical contaminants. To address this, the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974 was enacted.

In India, the water crisis has become a matter of national concern. Rapid population growth, urbanization, industrialization, and climate change have placed immense pressure on water resources. In such a scenario, government schemes alone are not sufficient—active participation of local communities is the key to sustainable solutions.