Environmental Issues in Rural Settlements | Geography Optional for UPSC (Notes) PDF Download

Introduction

• Shelter is a crucial necessity for humans, second only to food. The environment deterministic approach emphasizes the importance of shelter in relation to the extremes of the environment. Human settlements are a significant aspect of adapting to the physical environment and fostering a social life.
• Over time, settlements have been classified into two categories based on cultural and socio-economic factors: urban and rural. The size and growth of rural settlements are influenced by various environmental factors. However, these factors have deteriorated over time due to the increasing population, overutilization of resources such as land and water beyond their carrying capacity, the expansion of the rural-urban fringe, urbanization within rural areas, and high demand for timber leading to deforestation.
• In summary, shelter is a critical need for humans, and settlements play a vital role in adapting to the environment and promoting social life. These settlements can be categorized into urban and rural, with the growth of rural settlements being influenced by various environmental factors. Unfortunately, these factors have been negatively impacted by population growth, overuse of resources, urbanization, and deforestation.

Types of environment issues in rural area

• Deforestation: The primary cause of deforestation is agricultural expansion, accounting for 80% of tree loss, according to the UNFCCC (United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change). Logging contributes to another 14%, while cutting trees for firewood makes up 5%.
• Overgrazing: This occurs when livestock feed on land excessively, diminishing its productivity and biodiversity. In India, 31% of grasslands were lost between 2005 and 2015 due to overgrazing.
• Land degradation: The deterioration of soil quality and loss of fertility can be caused by unsuitable land use and improper land management practices, such as cultivating steep slopes without implementing soil conservation measures.
• Pollution:
  • Water pollution: Contamination of water bodies (e.g., lakes, rivers, oceans, and groundwater) negatively impacts plant and animal life within these ecosystems. In rural areas, point sources of water pollution include improper disposal of waste, open defecation, and domestic usage.
  • Drinking water: Contamination can occur from point sources or non-point sources, which are dispersed and difficult to trace. Major point sources of water pollution in rural areas include the use of fertilizers, dumping waste in rivers and ponds, open defecation, and domestic usage.
  • Groundwater: Overuse of fertilizers and excessive exploitation of surface water can lead to the seepage of harmful substances such as arsenic and fluoride into groundwater.
• Air pollution:
  • Stubble burning: The practice of burning crop residues in rural areas contributes to air pollution and affects both rural and urban environments.
  • Indoor air pollution: Rural households often rely on non-traditional fuel sources like wood and cow dung, exposing inhabitants to indoor pollutants such as carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide.
• Ammonia (NH₃) release and methane (CH₄) emissions from livestock also contribute to air pollution in rural areas.
• Sound pollution: As rural areas transition into urban environments, noise pollution increases, disrupting the tranquility of rural life.
• Land pollution: Factors contributing to land pollution in rural areas include plastic use, open defecation, and waste generated by small-scale and cottage industries.

Agriculture and related issue (Green Revolution)

• Soil pollution is a significant concern in agriculture due to the excessive use of fertilizers, leading to the contamination of soil with toxins. One of the major problems caused by fertilizers is eutrophication, which occurs when artificial or natural substances like nitrates and phosphates are introduced to freshwater systems through fertilizers or sewage. This can be either anthropogenic or natural and results in increased primary productivity or "blooms" of phytoplankton. The overgrowth leads to oxygen depletion in the water, causing severe reductions in fish and other animal populations.
• Another issue is shifting cultivation, a practice commonly used by tribal communities, also known as burn and slash cultivation. This practice involves using a piece of land for several years until its fertility decreases, after which farmers move to new plots. This has led to widespread deforestation, soil and nutrient loss, and invasion by weeds and other species, significantly affecting indigenous biodiversity.
• Faulty agricultural practices can also lead to soil salinization, such as the cultivation of rice in Rajasthan, which causes salt deposits from lower soil horizons to accumulate on the surface due to rapid water evaporation. This issue can be addressed by adding gypsum to the soil.
• Soil erosion is another problem arising from improper agricultural practices, leading to the depletion of soil fertility in rural areas. In coastal regions, the lack of soil conservation practices has resulted in saline water intrusion, making the soil unsuitable for cultivation.
• Furthermore, the excessive use of fertilizers can cause soil acidification, as fertilizers introduce impurities from the raw materials used in their production. Mixed fertilizers often contain ammonium nitrate (NH₄NO₃), phosphorus as P₂O₅, and potassium as K₂O. The overuse of NPK fertilizers can reduce the quantity of vegetables and crops grown on the soil over time.

Social ecology and related issues

• Untouchability
• Caste structure
• Class system
• Alcoholism
• Superstition
• Dowry, honour killing
• Female foeticide
• Domestic violence
• Religious segregation
• Women discrimination
• Depleting common properties due to increasing population
• Tribal area conflict

Case Studies

Case Study 1: Deforestation in a Remote Tribal Village

Location: A remote tribal village in the Western Ghats, India.
Environmental Issue: Deforestation due to illegal logging and encroachment by nearby settlements.
Description: The village is situated within a biodiverse forest region. The surrounding forests are rich in medicinal plants and rare wildlife. However, in recent years, illegal logging activities and encroachment by outsiders looking for land have increased. This has led to significant deforestation, loss of habitat for native species, soil erosion, and a decline in water quality. The tribal community, who relies on the forest for their livelihoods and cultural practices, is deeply affected.

Case Study 2: Water Scarcity in a Dryland Farming Community

Location: A rural settlement in a semi-arid region of Africa.
Environmental Issue: Water scarcity and drought-induced challenges in agriculture.
Description: The community relies on rain-fed agriculture, but in recent years, the region has experienced prolonged droughts and erratic rainfall patterns due to climate change. This has led to water scarcity, crop failures, and reduced livestock productivity. The lack of alternative livelihood options exacerbates the vulnerability of the farming community. The locals face food insecurity, poverty, and increased migration to urban areas in search of better opportunities.

Case Study 3: Pollution from Agrochemicals in a Farming Village

Location: A rural settlement in the fertile plains of South America.
Environmental Issue: Water and soil pollution from excessive use of agrochemicals.
Description: The village economy is primarily based on agriculture, with cash crops dominating the landscape. However, the overuse and improper disposal of agrochemicals like pesticides and fertilizers have led to severe pollution of local water bodies and soil. The contamination has harmful effects on aquatic life, human health, and the long-term fertility of agricultural lands. The community faces health issues, reduced crop yields, and loss of biodiversity.

Case Study 4: Waste Management in a Remote Island Village

Location: A small island settlement in the Pacific Ocean.

Environmental Issue: Improper waste management and marine pollution.

Description: The isolated island community lacks proper waste management infrastructure. Most of the waste is either burned, buried, or dumped into the sea. As a result, the island's marine ecosystem is under threat from plastic pollution and other non-biodegradable waste. The presence of plastics in the oceans harms marine life, damages coral reefs, and affects the livelihoods of fishermen. The villagers are beginning to realize the importance of sustainable waste management practices to protect their environment.

Case Study 5: Desertification in a Rural Oasis

Location: A traditional oasis settlement in the Middle East.

Environmental Issue: Desertification and groundwater depletion.

Description: The oasis settlement, surrounded by desert, has been facing desertification due to overexploitation of groundwater for agriculture and increasing temperatures caused by climate change. The excessive use of water for irrigation has led to the depletion of the underground aquifers, and the once-lush oasis is now gradually turning into barren land. The community faces a loss of livelihoods, as agriculture becomes unsustainable, and there is a growing need to find solutions to conserve water and adapt to changing environmental conditions.

These case studies illustrate some of the environmental challenges faced by rural settlements across different regions. Addressing such issues requires a comprehensive approach, involving local communities, governments, NGOs, and international organizations to ensure sustainable development and environmental conservation.

Conclusion

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) of Environmental Issues in Rural Settlements

What are the main environmental issues faced by rural areas?

Some of the main environmental issues faced by rural areas include deforestation, overgrazing, land degradation, water and air pollution, agricultural problems like soil pollution and erosion, and the ingress of saline water in coastal areas.

How does agriculture contribute to deforestation in rural areas?

Agriculture is the root cause of 80% of deforestation, as per the UNFCCC. The need for more land for cultivation leads to the clearing of forests, which results in loss of biodiversity, soil degradation, and increased greenhouse gas emissions.

What are the consequences of water pollution in rural areas?

Water pollution in rural areas can affect the health of people and animals, as well as the overall ecosystem. Contaminated water bodies can lead to the spread of waterborne diseases, loss of aquatic life, and disruption of natural water cycles.

How does the use of fertilizers in agriculture lead to soil pollution and eutrophication?

The excessive use of fertilizers can introduce harmful chemicals and excess nutrients into the soil and nearby water bodies. This can lead to soil pollution, loss of soil fertility, and eutrophication, which is the over-enrichment of water bodies with nutrients, causing algal blooms and oxygen depletion.

What are some social ecology issues faced by rural communities?

Some social ecology issues faced by rural communities include caste and class systems, untouchability, alcoholism, superstitions, dowry and honor killings, female foeticide, domestic violence, religious segregation, women discrimination, tribal area conflicts, and the depletion of common resources due to population growth.