Geographical Perspective on Selected Issues and Problems

Introduction

The interaction between man and environment has always shaped the geography of the world. Rapid growth of population, accelerated urbanization, industrialization, and globalization have created multiple environmental and socio-economic problems. These issues are not confined within political boundaries but have a spatial dimension, meaning they can be better understood through a geographical perspective.

A geographical perspective helps us to:

• Understand the spatial distribution of problems.
• Analyze the causes, patterns, and intensity of issues.
• Study the relationship between human activities and natural environment.
• Suggest sustainable solutions at local, regional, and global levels.

The most important issues studied under this theme include environmental pollution, deforestation, land degradation, urbanization, slums, migration, unemployment, poverty, regional disparities, and sustainable development challenges.

1. Environmental Pollution

Definition

Pollution is the unfavourable alteration of the environment through human activities, making air, water, soil, or biosphere unsafe for living beings.

Types of Pollution

• Air Pollution – caused by industries, vehicles, burning of fossil fuels.
• Water Pollution – discharge of untreated sewage, industrial effluents, oil spills.
• Soil Pollution – excessive use of fertilizers, pesticides, landfills, plastics.
• Noise Pollution – traffic, airports, construction, loudspeakers.
• Radioactive Pollution – leakage from nuclear plants (Chernobyl, Fukushima).

Impacts

• Respiratory and waterborne diseases.
• Decline in agricultural productivity.
• Loss of biodiversity.
• Climate change and global warming.

Case Study: Delhi Air Pollution

Delhi often records severe AQI levels, especially during winters due to stubble burning in Punjab & Haryana, vehicular emissions, and industrial smoke.

2. Deforestation and Land Degradation

Deforestation

Large-scale removal of forest cover for agriculture, mining, industries, and settlements.

Consequences:

• Loss of biodiversity.
• Soil erosion and floods.
• Disturbance in water cycle.
• Contribution to climate change.

Land Degradation

Decline in soil fertility and productivity due to overgrazing, deforestation, over-irrigation (salinization), and mining.

Extent in India: Nearly 30% of land area suffers from degradation.

Government Measures

• National Afforestation Programme (NAP)
• Green India Mission
• Desert Development Programme (DDP)

3. Urbanization and Related Problems

Urbanization

Rapid increase in the proportion of urban population due to migration and natural growth.

Issues

• Urban Sprawl – unplanned expansion of cities.
• Slums – congested, unhygienic settlements with poor living standards.
• Traffic Congestion – rising vehicles and inadequate infrastructure.
• Solid Waste Management – cities like Mumbai & Chennai struggle with disposal.
• Urban Heat Island Effect – higher temperature in cities due to concrete and pollution.

Case Study: Dharavi, Mumbai

One of the world’s largest slums with over 8 lakh people in 2.1 sq. km, facing sanitation, health, and housing issues.

4. Migration and Associated Issues

Migration

Movement of people from one place to another, either within the country (internal) or across countries (international).

Causes

• Push Factors – poverty, unemployment, natural disasters, political unrest.
• Pull Factors – jobs, education, better living standards.

Problems

• Brain drain in rural areas.
• Pressure on urban infrastructure.
• Social tensions and cultural conflicts.
• Exploitation of migrant labour.

Case Study: Interstate Migration in India

Migrant labourers from Bihar, UP, Odisha migrate to Delhi, Mumbai, Gujarat for work in construction and industries. The COVID-19 lockdown (2020) exposed the vulnerability of these workers.

5. Unemployment and Poverty

Unemployment

Situation where people are willing to work but cannot find suitable jobs.

• Types: Disguised, seasonal, educated, structural, cyclical.

Poverty

A state where people are unable to fulfill their basic needs.

• Absolute Poverty: Based on minimum consumption levels.
• Relative Poverty: Compared with others in society.

Geographical Aspect

• Unemployment and poverty are higher in Bihar, Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, and UP.
• Lower in Kerala, Punjab, Gujarat, Maharashtra.

Government Measures

• MGNREGA (2005) – 100 days of guaranteed employment.
• Skill India Mission – vocational training.
• PM Garib Kalyan Yojana – poverty alleviation.

6. Regional Disparities

India’s economic growth has been uneven across states.

Examples

• Western India (Gujarat, Maharashtra) – industrial hubs.
• Southern India (Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Kerala) – IT, services, literacy.
• Eastern India (Bihar, Odisha, Jharkhand) – poverty, poor infrastructure.
• North-East – isolated due to poor connectivity.

Causes

• Unequal resource distribution.
• Historical neglect.
• Poor governance.
• Inadequate infrastructure.

Solution

• Special Economic Zones (SEZs).
• Inclusive policies and regional planning.
• Infrastructure development in backward regions.

7. Population Explosion

India’s population crossed 1.4 billion in 2023.

Issues

• Pressure on land, food, water, housing.
• Increased unemployment.
• Rapid urbanization and slums.
• Pressure on health and education services.

Measures

• Family planning programmes.
• Awareness campaigns.
• Education of women.

8. Food Security and Hunger

Food Security

Ensuring availability, accessibility, and affordability of food.

Problems

• Regional disparities in food production.
• Malnutrition in children.
• Post-harvest losses.
• Dependence on monsoon.

Government Programmes

• Public Distribution System (PDS).
• National Food Security Act (2013).
• Mid-Day Meal Scheme.

9. Energy Crisis

Issues

• Dependence on imported crude oil.
• Over-exploitation of coal.
• Low share of renewables.

Solutions

• Promotion of solar, wind, hydropower.
• Energy-efficient technologies.
• International Solar Alliance (ISA).

10. Climate Change and Global Warming

Impacts on India

• Melting Himalayan glaciers.
• Frequent cyclones in Bay of Bengal.
• Irregular monsoon and droughts.
• Rising sea levels threatening coastal cities.

Initiatives

• Paris Climate Agreement commitments.
• National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC).
• Renewable Energy Mission.

11. Natural Disasters

Types

• Earthquakes (Bhuj 2001, Nepal 2015).
• Floods (Kerala 2018, Assam annually).
• Cyclones (Amphan 2020, Tauktae 2021).
• Droughts in Maharashtra, Rajasthan.

Management

• Early warning systems.
• Disaster preparedness.
• NDMA (National Disaster Management Authority).

12. Sustainable Development Challenges

Need for Sustainability

• Balance between economic growth and environmental protection.
• Judicious use of resources.

Challenges in India

• Rising energy demand.
• Urban waste disposal.
• Overuse of groundwater.
• Pressure of population.

Strategies

• Promotion of renewable energy.
• Sustainable agriculture.
• Eco-friendly transport.
• Environmental education.

Conclusion

Geography provides the best lens to understand the complex interrelationship between humans and environment. The issues of pollution, deforestation, land degradation, poverty, urbanization, migration, regional disparity, and climate change are all spatially interconnected.

A geographical perspective helps policymakers, planners, and communities to design sustainable solutions. For India, the path ahead lies in inclusive development, resource conservation, climate adaptation, and environmental protection. Only then can the nation achieve the vision of sustainable growth with social equity.