Here is one of my articles published in www.IndiaCSR.in
It is of great importance and mostly talks about our future responsibilities and challenges. The web link..... http://www.indiacsr.in/en/?p=11028
It is of great importance and mostly talks about our future responsibilities and challenges. The web link..... http://www.indiacsr.in/en/?p=11028
Corporate Responsibility in Conservation of Biodiversity
By Bibhu Prasad Mohanty
Biodiversity
is the basic development material of human kind. This paper tries to
discuss some of the biodiversity conservation related questions in
relation to corporate responsibilities. Taking Development of Jharkhand
as the central theme and with a natural expectation and practical
apprehension of macro changes in economy due to mining and industrial
growth in the state this discusses future problems and prospects in the
state. Although development brings so many socio-political-economic
changes, comfortable life patterns and influences the market of local
area, there has been concern on conservation of biodiversity at micro
and macro level too. Concern over getting clean air, land for the
continuation of agriculture in terms of food and job for all, employment
for all, survival of culture that ensures survival of animals and
manage the sustenance of crop and forest diversity and above all life
of harmony with nature.
Introduction
Biodiversity
materials remained as the basic material of development. From time
immemorial human survival and for the sustenance of its socio-cultural
and economic activities very often manipulated biodiversity materials
available around. Sectors like health, education, infrastructure, food
and livelihood are the basic and major areas where biodiversity of one
area played the most dynamic role in the process of growth of human
race. For last few centuries of last millennium this world has been
witness to several wars, conflict, border issues, industrial
developments, big dams and infrastructure developments. These activities
consumed and caused loss to biodiversity materials. For the sake of
human development, to meet the responsive needs of people many
development decisions and models were adopted by several political
organizations those caused severe threats to future development as the
world lost several of basic stock of development i.e., Biodiversity of
the region.
The Philosophy
All of us are
aware that biodiversity has immense help to mankind. It is being
exploited for food, medicine, housing materials, household materials,
security stuff, war instruments, transporting equipment, clothes and we
can say every aspect of life. Because unlike human , biodiversity is
also from ‘Panchbhut’, the five major elements of life system kshiti or
bhūmi (earth), ap or jala (water), tejas or agni (fire), marut or pavan
(air or wind), vyom; or shunya or akash (aether or void). Materials
from panchamahabhuta are always interconnected. Human sustenance always
depends on these elements. Therefore manipulation of these materials by
human being is a common phenomenon. Without biodiversity the
sustainability of human race cannot be thought of under present
conditions of life system on this earth. Taking this as elementary truth
in to consideration when we analyse the development of this race and
civilization in this millennium we find so many contradicting and
controversial development approaches are adopted to make growth shift of
our economy. Our issues of economy have been strategically addressed
under agriculture, commerce, infrastructure development, governance and
so on for ages. Unfortunately human greed has damaged the chord of
natural progress of this race.
Out of the
five elements of life system water is considered to be very much
precious and the usable water content for human being is very low. In
villages of India we find water is considered as ‘Amrit’ the most
aspired material that brings immortality in the life of living beings.
It is a fact that so long as we are meeting the water need of our
physical being we sustain our life. On a slightest imbalance in body and
environment there is lot of issues for the human species. Particularly
in human settlements we see there have been considerable demands for
water.
We use water
for civilian need, like drinking, bathing, washing, cleaning,
agriculture and so on. But there are industrial usages , which are large
scale and require very large volume of water. The consumption at micro
and macro level adds to the high demand of water in present millennium.
It is true that despite of realization in human being about the
importance of water, soil and clean air there is an induced demand of
development along with greed towards comfortable life tainted with
ambition of economic and political power drive the development process.
Here this paper will try to discuss existing conditions and possible
solutions to manage the natural resources and the biodiversity for
future generation and bring a balance between aggressive changes due to
aggressive mining and industrial growth in the state.
Jharkhand
Jharkhand
Plateau , (Forest Tract ) is a very rich region of undulated forest of
Chhotenagpur Plateau. It is covered by rivers such as Baitarani,
Subarnarekha, Damodar, Barkarar and Brahmani. Jharkhand has two major
sub-plateaus, Hazaribag and Ranchi. This is a state where more than 90%
of total revenue of Govt is from Coalfield. A population of about 3.3
crores consisting of 30 tribes in the state. This tribal population is
about 26% of total population.
Primitives Tribes: Asur, Birhor, Birajia, Korba, Mal Paharia, SauriyaPaharia, Sabar, or Hill Kharia and Parahiya. (12 nos)
Other Tribes:
Biga, Banjara, Bathudi, Bedia, Bhumij, Binjhia, Chero, ChikBaraik,
Gond, Gorait, Ho, Karmali, Khadia, Kharwar, Khond, Kisan, Kora, Lohra,
Mahali, Munda, Oraon and Santhal (23nos)
Out of 24
districts, their concentration is mostly high in Ranchi, Hazaribag,
Dumka, Palamu and Gumla districts in comparison to other districts.
Santal, is the major tribe of this state. Oraon and Munda are placed at
2nd and 3rd position. Tribal population of Jharkhand is concentrated
mainly in Chhotanagpur plateau (Ranchi, Hazaribag, Giridih, Palamau,
Dhanbad, Bokaro, and Singhbhum, districts) and SanthalParganas. As usual
tribal population reside in rural area.
More than 80%
of population in Jharkahnd are belonging to villages. Jharkhand has
total land mass of about 79 .91 lakh ha with uneven rain fall but the
quantity of rain is very good distributed across the year. Mines
coverage of the state is extremely high. More than 39 lakh ha land is
under cultivation. 25% of total land (around 2.2 million ha ) is under
forest cover. Most of the forest land and mines cover are close to river
basins. In the state about 17% of total population are engaged in
mines and industrial activities. Rest population is in agriculture and
allied livelihood activities.
Jharkhand in a nutshell
Area: 79,914 sq km
Population: 32.96 Million , Capital: Ranchi ,Literacy: 67.63 per cent
Religion: Hinduism, Islam, Christianity, Sarna, Jainism etc.
Languages: Hindi, English, Regional Languages (Mundari, Nagpuria, Kharia, Ho, Santhali, Oraon, Khortha), Bengali, Urdu, Oriya
Temperature: Summer (Min27 C, Maximum 42 C); Winter (Min 4 C,Max 20 C)
Major Industries: Iron & Steel, Alumina, Coal, Heavy Engineering, Automobile, Engineering Goods
Three times growth in the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) has been achieved during the last ten years (2001-2011).
Over 20
percent of the country’s total steel is being produced in the state.
Steel production has increased from 8 million tones to over 12 million
tons per annum during the 11th plan period.
17,000 mega
watt (MW) power capacity is being installed by private investors. The
State is poised to attain self sufficiency in power and become a net
exporter of energy by 2012-13.
Several
thermal power plants are in various stage of construction in the state
such as Maithan Power Limited at Dhanbad (2×525 MW)
It has the
country’s 40 per cent mineral reserves with mining and quarrying
accounting for 14.3 per cent of the GDP (as compared to 2.3 per cent for
the rest of India).
The state saw
0.5 per cent increase in forest cover, which only four states of the
country have achieved over the reporting period 2007-09. This is
attributed to community participation in forest protection.
Source: Jharkhand Govt
The points of development prospects
We all are
aware that cheap raw material, easy availability of water and fuel ,
easy access to cheap labour force, usually attract the industrial and
mining entrepreneurs . Jharkhand is blessed with stocks of several
mineral ores , very good number of small and big water sources (rivers,
streams rivulets etc), high quality coal stock and a good population of
unorganized labour in search of job (which is cheap in comparison to
other countries) and so on. The most important is that the intention of
Govt is favourable to a significant extent.
Jharkhand Mineral stock and the locations :
Minerals | Quantum (’000t) |
Location/ Uses |
Apatite | 3070 | Singhbhum/ Mineral Fertilizers,Gem stones |
Asbestos | 40 | Roroburu, Singhbhum/ Pipes, Sheets,Gloves, Ropes |
Barytes | 15 | Singhbhum/ Hydrated Alumina |
Bauxite | 68135 | Palamu,Ranchi,Gumla,Lohardaga/ Alum,Aluminium,Refractoryindustry,Imery |
China clay | 45930 | Lohardaga,Ranchi,Dumka,sahibganj, Singhbhum/ Crockery,glass |
Chromite | 334 | Singhbhum/ Chrome magnesite refractory |
Coal | 6208485 | Jharia,Bokaro,Karanpura,Hutur,Auranga, Daltonganj,Deoghar,Rajmahal Coal Fields |
Cobalt(m.t) | 9.00 | Singhbhum/ Extraction of Cobalt Oxide |
Copper Ore | 108690 | Singhbhum,Giridih/ Copper |
Dolomite | 29864 | Palamu,Garhwa/ Cements,Magnesia, Building Stone |
Felspar | 5152 | Dumka,Hazaribagh,Deoghar/ Crockery Wares,GlazedTiles,Refractories |
Fireclay | 50462 | Dhanbad,Hazaribagh,Palamu,Bokaro,Giridh, Ramgarh/ Firebricks,Stoneware crockeries |
Garnet | 72 | Hazaribagh/ Beads,as gemstone |
Gold Ore | 7.20 | Ranchi,Singhbhum/ Gold |
Granite(’000cm.m) | 19105 | Dumka,Godda,Deoghar,Ranchi, DAltonganj/ Granite Tiles |
Graphite | 389678 | Palamu/ Graphite powder,pencils,crucibles |
Iron Ore | 308326 | Singhbhum,Palamu/ Iron |
Kyanite | 90 | Singhbhum/ High Alumina Refractories |
Limestone | 964917 | Hazaribag,SanthalPragana,Palamu, Singhbhum,Ranchi/ Lime Fertilizer,Cement |
Manganese Ore | 2363 | Singhbhum/ Manganese |
Mica | 13554 | Koderma,Giridh,Hazaribagh/ Insulation, Bricks,Mica Powder |
Nickel Ore | 9.00 | Singhbhum/ Nickel |
Quartz(silica sand) | 136429 | Singhbhum,Dumka,Hazaribag,Deogarh, Palamu,Sahidganj/ Glass,Crokery Ware, Glaze,Acid Resistant Bricks and Tiles |
Quarzite | 219842 | Singhbhum/ Same and Gemstone |
Talc/ Stealite/ Soapstone |
289 | Singhbhum,Giridh/ Talcom Powder, Wall Tile,ElectricalInsulators,Cookware |
Vermiculate(t) | 15024 | Singhbhum/ Insulation Brick |
(Source: Department of Mines, Govt of Jharkhand)
River Basins and Water resources In Jharkhand
Subarnarekha River Basin
Subarnarekha
river after originating near Piska/Nagri in Ranchi traverses through
Ranchi, Seraikela-Kharsawan and East Singhbhum districts. It eventually
joins the Bay of Bengal near Talsari in Bengal. It’s important tributary
is : Kharkai River: Originates in Mayurbhanj district of Orissa, flows
past Rairangpur and heads north of about Saraikela and then turns east
to meet Subernrekha in NW of Jamshedpur
Brahmani River Basin
The Brahmani
is formed by the confluence of the rivers South Koel and Sankh at
VedVyas near Raurkela. Major portion of this river basin lies within the
state of Orissa while a small patch lies in the state of Jharkhand. It
forms a large delta, the site of the Bhitarkanika wildlife sanctuary
before entering into the Bay of Bengal at Dhamra. It’s main tributaries
are:
North Karo River:
It originates on the Ranchi Plateau, drains the Gumla, Ranchi and West
Singhbhum districts and finally joins the South Koel near Serengda.
South Karo River:
The river flows through industrial and iron ore mining areas and
Saranda forest before joining the South Koel River in Goilkera block of
West Singhbhum district.
Deo River: It rises on the western side of the Gamharia plateau flows through West Singhbhum district and joins the South Karo river
Sankh River:
Originates near Jharkhand – Chhattisgarh border in Lupungpat village in
GumaDistt, flows for a distance of 240 km before it meets the Koelriver
in Orissa.
South Koel River:
This river rises near Lohardaga on the other side of the watershed that
also gives rise to Damodar River. It runs across Jharkhand and Orissa.
It enters Orissa and joins with Sankhriver at VedVyas near Rourkela from
where it is named as Brahmani.
Son River Basin
Sone river
originates near Amarkantak in Madhya Pradesh, flows E-NE through
Jharkhand and finally joins Ganges just above Patna. It’s main
tributaries are:
Amanat River:
It originates on the Hazaribagh plateau flows through Chatra and Palamu
districts and then joins the North Koel River five miles north of
Daltonganj.
North Koel River:
It rises on the Ranchi plateau, enters Palamau division, flows due west
for about twenty miles, turns north and falls into the Son a few miles
north-west of Haidarnagar.
Auranga River
: It originates near Soheda in a pass, flows through Latehar and Palamu
districts, flows in a northwesterly direction and eventually meets the
Koel near Kechki 10 miles south of Daltonganj.
East Flowing Rivers:
Bakreshwar River:
It is a tributary of the Mayurakshi River. It originates in
SanthalParganas division of Jharkhand,flows in to the Mayurakshi River
in Murshidabad district.
Dwarka River :
It originates in SanthalParganas, flows through Birbhum district and
then flows through Murshidabad district where it joins the Bhagirathi.
Ajay River :
Originates on a small hill in Munger district of Bihar, forms the
border between Bardhaman District of West Bengal & Jharkhand. It’s
main tributaries are Pathro and Jayanti
Mayurakshi :
Rises from TrikutPahar in Deoghar district, flows across Godda,
Deoghar, Dumka and Sahebganj districts. There is Massanjore Dam across
this river at 30 km NE of Dumka
Bansloi: River:Originates in Bans Hills in Sahebganjdistt, flows through Pakurdistt and eventually flows into Bhagirathi.
North Flowing Rivers:
Kiul River :
The Kiul originates from the Tisri Hill Range in Giridih district. It
first flows through Jamui and Lakhisarai districts. It falls into the
Ganges near Surajgarha.
Lilajan River :
The Lilajan originates north of Simaria in Chatra district on the
Hazaribagh plateau, south of Gaya It unites with the Mohana River to
form Falgu River.
Punpun River:
It originates in Palamu district at an elevation of 300 metres, flows
in a north-east direction through Chatra, Aurangabad, Gaya and Patna
districts and joins the Ganges at Fatuha.
South East Flowing Rivers:
Baitarani River:
The Baitarani originates from the Guptaganga hills in Gonasika of
Keonjhar district in Orissa. The beginning portion of Baitarani acts as
the boundary between Orissa and Jharkhand. A major portion of the river
basin lies within the state of Orissa while a small patch of the upper
reach lies in Jharkhand state.
Source: Jharkhand Govt.
Biodiversity in Jharkhand
Jharkhand in
terms of mining and industrial development is very important for entire
country. It is also one of the biodiversity hubs of India because of
undulated plateau status. Several different tables of agro-climatic
zones influence the existence of different biodiversity materials. The
general useful biodiversity materials we may categorize in to following
major sections as per Jharkhand state.
Food crops
Medicinal plants (medicinal values of plants known to people and popularly used )
Plants for Housing materials and other Instruments
Forest species
Domestic animals
Forest animals
Micro-organisms
Biodiversity
materials remained as the basic material of human development. From time
immemorial human survival and for the sustenance of its socio-cultural
and economic activities very often manipulated biodiversity materials
available around.
Sectors like
health, education, infrastructure, food and livelihood are the basic and
major areas where biodiversity played the most dynamic role in the
process of growth of human race. Across the ages our habit of food
intake changed. It is the stock of biodiversity only provided us
possible food crop which could survive the natural calamities and met
our desire and satisfied cultural and health needs. Jharkhand population
uses rice, ragi, chana and oil seeds for the food. In rice it has
several landraces which are found to be suitable for different land
type. Those are selected under traditional knowledge and traditions by
rural women and farmers. Thus they increased the varietal stock of rice
diversity in this undulated plateau of India.
It is said
more than 300 landraces of rice are still under cultivation. Recent
study by a group of scientist from Indian Agriculture Research Institute
and KPG, College Simbhaoli, Ghaziabad proved that there are 8 landraces
of rice which have resistance to Bacterial Leaf Blight. This trait
would be lost in time and space if this study would not be conducted.
This trait can be transferred to other rice varieties popular in the
state so that there can be a protection to crop and yield enhancement
will be a reality. Therefore conservation of all the living organisms
are must for future development.
It is
observed 95 plants are studied in Hazaribag , for their contribution in
addressing various medicinal requirements. We can imagine how much would
have been there in other regions of this state. A speculation can be
made that a minimum stock of 300 plants with traditional medicinal
knowledge must be there in this state. It is logical here to state that
without the help of the traditional knowledge of medicinal plants a huge
population of forest and rural dwellers would be very much difficult
for the state to address medical need for each and every thing through
existing Govt led health institutions. This state has been the Asia’s
larget Sal forest and Elephant Habitat for years. Large scale Sal Forest
and Elelphant Habitats are itself describing huge mass of biodiversity
stock in the region in terms of forest resources.
The Issue
It is
relevant to mention the report of Dr. Nitish Priyadarshi on ‘Effects
of Mining on Environment in the state of Jharkhand India. The report
says, ‘………… The state of Jharkhand is a part of biodiversity rich
regions of India because of its diverse physiographic and climatic
conditions. The forests for the most conform to the type –Tropical Dry
Deciduous Forest, Moist Deciduous Forest, Dry Peninsular Forest and
DryMixed Deciduous Forest. The Forests of the state form catchments of
the three mainrivers — Koel, Damodar and Subernekha. State is also rich
in wildlife. The species found represent a wide range of taxa for both
plants and animals. This can be attributed to terrain, variety of
terrain and land forms (including water bodies).
Jharkhand
forms part of the Chhotanagpur plateau province of the Deccan Peninsula
and is very rich in natural resources. Nearly 50 % of the country’s
minerals are located in the state — iron and coal being important among
the main. About 30 % of its geographical area is covered with forests.
Unfortunately the mineral map and the forests overlap for the major
minerals. This is also a cause for concern in terms of biodiversity
loss.State of Jharkhand supports over 35 no. of tiger population and 700
of elephant population.
The state
has following matrix of large fauna :Tiger-34; Leopard-164,Elephant-772;
Barking deer-3672; Cheetal-16384; Sambhar-3052; Chausingha-62;Common
Langur-44920; Common Otter-98; Hare-2718; Hyena-613; Indian
Bison-256;Indian Giant Squirrel-395; Jackal-559; Jungle Cat-11;
Monkey-64685; Nilgai-1262;Pangolin-57; Porcupine-425; Sloth Bear-1808;
Wild Boar-18550; Wild dog-537; Wolf-874; Dhanesh-56; Peafowl-5684;
Jungle fowl-325. These figures give a good account of the faunal
diversity of the state.’
All these
animal biodiversity require water and food for their sustenance and
survival. Their disappearance has been a major risk for mankind and
civilisation as well. Continuous un-planned exploitation of minerals and
industrial interventions caused several damages to the environment and
biodiversity stock. In addition to this problem the major problem of
regular occurrences of flood and flash flood both have been causing
several obstacles to development of this state causing economic issues
for last 2 decades.
It is
reiterated here that the geographical area of the state is 79 lakh ha.
and cultivable area is 38 lakh ha. Out of this,80% of the area is
drought prone. About 7% area is flood prone. The highly variable
rainfall in Jharkhand ranging from 1000 to 1400 mm mainly occurs within
four-month period between June to September with the number of rainy
days varying between 60 and 80. The estimated average annual
availability of water resources consists of 27.726 km3 of surface water
and 5.251 km3 of subsurface. Of the 16 river basin systems, more than
50% of this average annual availability is found in the five major river
basins (Subarnarekha, Damodar, Barakar, North Koel, Gumani& South
Koel) of the State.
These areas
are mostly populated areas which are also under pressure of mining and
industrial operations. Here is a growth of population (24% rise). It is
observed 524 leases for mining various major minerals are allotted. 206
of total 524 mining lease have been granted for coal alone. In addition,
2,717 leases covering an area of 8,426 ha have been granted for
extracting minor minerals in the state. It implies that here has been
continuous depletion of forest cover. Thus exploitation of land and
forest means that there has been continuous reduction of biodiversity in
the region. Along with reduction of forest biodiversity there has been
reduction of agro biodiversity too.
Urbanisation, infrastructural developments, industrial and mines
operations together made impact on agriculture land. Of course the land
utilized for industrial purpose here in this state is mostly not
belonging to arable category. This is a wise decision of Govt of
Jharkhand taken for last few years. Invasion of mono cropping of
different crop materials to get higher yield has increased to a greater
level which created massive imbalances in agro-biodiversity too.
Introduction of several high yielding and cross breed varieties of
domestic animals is also another concern of biodiversity loss. This
happened to influence the livestock management to profit end drive.
Unfortunately
that impacted negatively on the care of the indigenous livestock
materials. So there is a natural disappearance of many indigenous
livestock materials from market. It must be mentioned that those
materials have good resistance to diseases and environmental stress.
There should have been appropriate manipulation of livestock germplasm
and good care of those for better yield. Loss of indigenous crop
varieties like livestock now faces several stressful situations. Thus
there has been several food insecurity and distressful incidents
occurring with poor farmers too. Crop varieties appropriate for upland
cropping or those require less water are no more available with farmers.
That is a great distress for them. Such cases are available with great
number without any solution adding to poverty and causing threat to
progress of state.
Effort of Jindal Steel & Power Ltd (JSPL), Patratu
At
Kinni village a team of young volunteers , mostly women football team
were motivated on soil conservation, and rain water harvesting to save a
football at the foot hill from soil erosion. It not only saved the soil
from conservation but it brought a new dimension in conservation of
biodiversity. A small contribution of 4 hour labour of around 30 young
people and JSPL staff could save the small hillock from erosion of soil
and it could save existing biodiversity material in that area. Those
young women restricted the entry of public and grazing animals into it.
That added a great value to it. Today the location has good forest
species and good growth of shrubs and small wild animals in the area.
There has been effort by JSPL to stop forest fire at nearby forest and
hills through awareness and motivation to families.
Recommended solutions
To solve the
major looming issues of loss of biodiversity , increasing occurrence of
flood, continuous drought 80% of total arable land resources affecting
75% of total population, looming water crisis due to industrial and
mining activities, non-maintenance of river basis due to the large area
coverage, there should be interventions at local level in small way in
sporadic and distributed manner. Taking above data in to consideration
following recommendations are made for the consideration of Govt of
Jharkhand and India .
1. It is very
much evident from above data that there have been several MOUs for
development of industrial units and mining operations in the state where
they require large volumes of water. State water board and state water
policy both have been trying to address the drinking water issue and
meeting the risk of drought in the state. Only option appears to manage
and harvest the water at ground table along with depleting biodiversity
is watershed approach in and around the region. Precedence is there
across the country and globe that watershed has been a boon in human
development as well as restricting the loss of biodiversity. All the
corporate are responsible to come up with development activities around
the set ups they make.
2. As a
statutory requirement of the corporate houses (mining, industry etc) and
on a commitment to Ministry of Environment ad Forest , Govt of India
they have to take care of ground water table, environment, biodiversity,
soil conservation, livestock, add to forest resources and economic
development of people. There should be a sincere internal policy of
corporate houses ratified by right authority of Govt, in the line of
Ministry of Environment and Forest in regard to above concerns. There
should be a committee of corporate bodies and experts who would be
monitoring the compliance part committed by corporate bodies too.
3. Before
establishing any industry and commencement of mining activities it is
mandatory to go for Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA). In addition
to that there should be People’s Biodiversity Register (PBR) so that
related knowledge and material available in the locality could be
managed to maintain under different scientific conservation approaches.
Necessary conservation cum utilization cum future studies could be
devised in relation and relevance to future development. There is a
great scope to enumerate or keep the data of available flora and fauna
under People’s Biodivesity Register. It is relevant to mention here that
as the knowledge related to biodiversity material decreases so the
material loses its importance and finally nobody cares its disappearance
across the time and event of development. Therefore there should be
careful scientific approach to retain the traditional knowledge through
proper documentation under PBR and true value of the knowledge should be
trialed in lab studies and possible development plan should also be
made in that line.
4. The hope
associated with biodiversity material may be unrealized and invisible
today but tomorrow its existence may ensure life, comfort and may become
source of energy, happiness and longevity to mankind and ensure harmony
in different changes in environment. We have been facing several
problems due to pollution of air, soil, water and sound. With a hope of
finding solution there can be research for solutions to such problems
by using local plants and animals those who are acclimatized to the
condition and manage normal life without any health and survival
problems.
5. There may
be some materials existing which have the potentialities and scope of
ensuring the monitoring of pollution permissible for the area. That will
not only reduce the cost of pollution by industrial or mining operation
but also warn the operator to take necessary precautionary measure.
Under strategic CSR, watershed is one of the tools that has several
benefits. It takes care of environment, economy, care to biodiversity,
governance of people , food and livelihood security, skill development,
networking with Govt, women empowerment, agri-horti-fishery development
and many infrastructure development programs. Therefore CSR can be one
of the widely talked approach to establish and manage biodiversity stock
through in-situ and ex-situ conservation approaches.
6. Jharkhand
being a state populated with Govt and Private corporate houses along
with a unstable political environment prone to several operative
disturbances. That is a reason of low creativity and several losses to
many corporate houses. Therefore corporate houses must take initiatives
and become more sensitive in managing the biodiversity without
compromising their intention to make profit. In this connection it is
relevant to mention here that a committee of corporate bodies and
experts drawn several institution of high repute should make necessary
working connectivity with NBPGR, NBAGR, ICGR and other appropriate
bodies to help in designing right prospective plan for the state so that
an easy and better sustainable development plan for profit making and
environmental balance could be established.
7. Many of
the industries or mines are found to be leaving their infrastructure and
excavated places abandoned for more than 7 years after completion of
their production activities or when they become sick. At this moment
approaches of Govt should be to either take over the projects or make
necessary arrangements to dismantle the equipment and machineries and
convert the space into planned greenery or forest area. Necessary
financial arrangements should be part of the project plan of corporate
houses. Finance in regard to this aspect should be supported by Govt as a
major commitment to its citizens. Central Govt (MOEF) has enough money
in this regard which are collected from industries under several
mandatory deposits.
Author: Bibhu Prasad Mohanty
a versatile development professional with 22 yrs of experience as an
activist, scientist, researcher, facilitator, evaluator, consultant and
environmentalist who has strong acumen and ability in application of
science and technology, Food and Livelihood security, ICT promotion,
Conservation of biodiversity, Prevention of HIV/AIDS, gender equity ,
rural development, Human rights , gender equity. He has spent his prime
youth under Prof. M.S. Swaminathan as a Sr. Scientist and headed M.S.
Swaminathan Research Foundation in Odisha for a long time. He has been
involved with several national and international awards like Equator
Initiative Award , several awards related to environment and nature as a
jury or technical expert. His deep involvement in development sector
brought several national and international recognitions. He was
conferred with a prestigious Karmaveer Award-2010 from ICONGO for his
contribution in Environment sector. Now he is heading the Department of
Corporate Social Responsibility at Jindal Steel & Power Ltd.
Patratu, Jharkhand. He has contributed several papers in India and
abroad on food and livelihood security, conservation of biodiversity,
biotechnology, Conflict management and Corporate Social Responsibility.
He has been constantly writing on conflict and communication in several
popular magazines and e-magazines.
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