A Beacon for Environmental Stewardship

A Review of Textbook of Environmental Studies by Erach Bharucha

- Erach Bharucha

Modern life demands more effective environmental management to foster healthier relationships between humans and nature. Yet, we have largely fallen short in this regard. Some of the major natural disasters that struck India in 2024 were: Cyclone Remal (West Bengal, May 26); Cyclone Fengal (near Puducherry, November 30); devastating floods in Assam (May); landslide in Wayanad, Kerala (July 30); floods in Vijayawada (August 31-September 09); 51 cloudbursts and flash floods in Himachal Pradesh (June-August). Almost 665 people lost their lives due to the aforesaid natural disasters. Around 279 people from 18 villages of Buldhana were afflicted with 'acute onset alopecia totalis' in December 2024 and January 2025. More than 200 cases of Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) were reported in India in early 2025. GBS spread across Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Tamil Nadu and West Bengal and claimed 23 lives. Pollution might cause abnormalities and deformities in animals and humans. Can we protect ourselves against nature's wrath, man-made disasters or can we at least reduce the casualties? As a subject, Environmental Studies serves as a beacon on the course towards sustainability. Environmental Science is the linchpin of our collective prosperity and development. The recent environmental crises present an opportunity for humanity to reconnect with and cherish nature. The Hon'ble Supreme Court in its order dated December 6, 1999 in WP No. 860/1991 directed all universities and affiliated colleges to take appropriate steps in order to introduce environmental studies courses. Article 48A of the Constitution of India focuses on protection and improvement of environment and safeguarding of forests and wildlife [The Constitution of India (as on May, 2022)]. Article 51A (g) lays down that it is the duty of every citizen of India to protect and improve the natural environment including forests, lakes, rivers and wildlife, and to have compassion for living creatures [The Constitu