Paryavaran Parirakshan Apariharya Avashyakta

This document, "Paryavaran Parirakshan Apariharya Avashyakta" (Environmental Protection: An Inevitable Necessity) by Dr. Harishchandra Bharatiya, discusses the critical need for environmental protection in the face of modern human activities and their impact.

The article begins by highlighting the shift in global anxiety from the threat of nuclear war in the 20th century to the pressing issue of environmental degradation in the 21st century. It notes India's significant population growth, which exacerbates environmental challenges. The author traces the understanding of the environment, starting with the 1972 Stockholm Conference and defining its four components: atmosphere, hydrosphere, lithosphere, and biosphere. The unique life-sustaining nature of Earth is emphasized, along with the process of evolution and the extinction of species that couldn't adapt to environmental changes.

The central argument is that modern humans, with their advanced capabilities, have drastically altered the planet in a short period. The escalating global population, projected to reach 6.1 billion by 2000, intensifies the demand for resources, leading to deforestation, habitat destruction, and water scarcity. Human activities like agriculture, urbanization, industrialization, and transportation are identified as major polluters. The author warns that humanity is approaching a point of no return, where environmental recovery may become impossible.

The article then details specific environmental crises:

• Deforestation: The widespread destruction of forests, particularly tropical rainforests, is highlighted as a major concern, with an annual loss of 17 million hectares. This loss impacts biodiversity, climate, soil fertility, and food chains. The extinction of numerous plant and animal species due to deforestation and hunting is a significant tragedy.
• Global Warming (Vishwatapan): The increasing concentration of greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide, chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), and methane in the atmosphere is causing the Earth's temperature to rise. This phenomenon, known as the "Greenhouse Effect," is leading to the melting of polar ice caps, rising sea levels, and unpredictable climate patterns. The article specifies the sources of these gases, such as industrial emissions, vehicles, refrigeration, and agricultural practices.
• Ozone Layer Depletion: The thinning of the ozone layer, caused by CFCs used in refrigeration, air conditioning, and other consumer products, is creating an "ozone hole." This allows harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation to reach the Earth, causing skin cancer and eye diseases. The article mentions the Montreal Protocol's aim to phase out CFCs by 2000.
• Radiation Pollution: The era of nuclear energy presents the risk of radiation pollution from nuclear power plants and nuclear weapons testing. While natural radiation sources are unavoidable, human-generated radiation can have severe health consequences, including cancer. The article discusses the challenges of managing radioactive waste and the use of medical radiation.

The author also points to other forms of pollution, including:

• Air Pollution: Emissions of sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, and particulate matter from factories, vehicles, and power plants are contributing to respiratory illnesses, anemia, tuberculosis, eye problems, and cancer. Acid rain, caused by sulfur and nitrogen oxides, is harmful to both humans and plant life.
• Noise Pollution: Excessive noise from various sources is leading to deafness, high blood pressure, and mental stress. Even religious sites are becoming centers of noise pollution.

The text criticizes humanity's misuse of scientific advancements, which, instead of eradicating poverty and ignorance, are being employed for war, luxury, violence, and exploitation. Mahatma Gandhi's concerns about the destructive consequences of industrial competition are referenced. The article posits that human greed and desire for luxury are the root causes of environmental degradation.

The author proposes several solutions for environmental protection:

1. Population Control: Implementing effective population control measures is deemed essential, with Western countries being ahead in this regard.
2. Controlling Desires and Greed: Curbing excessive desires and greed is crucial. The concept of "aparigraha" (non-possession) and economic equality are highlighted as vital. The developed nations are criticized for their disproportionately high contribution to pollution despite having a smaller population.
3. Forest Conservation and Regeneration: Reaching the benchmark of having 33% of the Earth's landmass under forest cover is advocated. The current situation, with only 16-17% globally and 9-10% in India, is described as alarming. Promoting tree planting and conservation through awareness campaigns is essential.
4. Adopting a New Lifestyle: A fundamental shift towards a new lifestyle is required, with greater reliance on solar energy to reduce the use of fossil fuels.

The article concludes by emphasizing that environmental protection is an "inevitable necessity" for the survival of all life on Earth. It calls for collective participation and public awareness, urging religious leaders and social service organizations to play a significant role. The author stresses the importance of instilling environmental consciousness in the younger generation and advocates for the practical implementation of the Jain principle of ahimsa (non-violence) in safeguarding the world.

The second part of the document, "Jain Dharma Aur Paryavaran-Santulan" (Jainism and Environmental Balance) by Pandit Munishri Nemichandra Ji Maharaj, discusses the Jain perspective on environmental equilibrium. It attributes environmental imbalances to human interference with nature's rhythmic processes. Jainism, from its earliest Tirthankara Rishabhdev to Mahavir, has consistently preached sanyam (restraint) towards both living and non-living beings, advocating for a balance with nature and mutual welfare of all creatures. The text highlights the Jain emphasis on restraint towards ajivakaya (non-living matter) and criticizes modern humanity for its excessive indulgence and disregard for ecological balance. It notes that the American National Academy of Sciences defines a healthy environment as a combination of air, water, soil, plants, and animals, all in balance. The author criticizes the destructive actions of humanity, such as nuclear explosions, the use of chemical weapons, and large-scale urban bombings, which disrupt this natural harmony.