Conclusions
 
Having had an overview of the various environmental issues, it's time for us to seriously think about the efforts needed to bring back the original balance in our environment. Ecology, environment and human beings have to form a synchronous and healthy relationship for them to have any meaning at all. Realization that, one without the other may not be able to survive has to dawn on one and all. Certain issues which have reached criticality, like air and water pollution, have to be addressed HERE and NOW. Any dilly-dallying on the matter could harm us and put us beyond redemption. Old approaches may have to be reformed, new technologies like for instance remote sensing, have to be harnessed, our people's attitudes have to be changed. It's only then can we hope to see any difference in the harmed atmosphere. As of now, the stresses on our environment are many. Some of them we list here to highlight the need for prioritisation for action.
  1. In industrial areas like Patancheru and in areas of energy production like Ramagundam, Kothagudem, water and air are getting grossly polluted.
  2. Urban centres like Hyderabad, Visakhapatnam, Vijayawada and Tirupati where rural - urban drift is constantly noticed, have become congested givinrise to air pollution, water and energy scarcity, sewage problem, heat island effect etc.

  3. There has been an increase in non-point pollution due to agricultural run off from fields using heavy doses of chemical fertilizers and pesticides. Part of this pollution is also due to the sub-optional irrigation methods. The exact effects of all these on soil nutrients and productivity has to be closely studied and monitored before matters worsen further.

  4. Deforestation has left our land crippled. This has impacted, seriously on water availability too. Deforestation especially on hill slopes and plateaus, inadequate watershed management, pollution of rivers are the root causes for our woes relating to water. Promotion of tourism without any foresight has also left our environment affected.

  5. Deforestation has impacted in other forms too. Loss of biodiversity and soil moisture due to clearing of mixed forests have created another environmental stress in our lives. Pollution or thoughtless reclamation of wetlands, destruction or neglect of protected grooves and rocks are all charges we are guilty of.

  6. Can a polluted atmosphere leave our health guntouched? However, data generation on the effects of pollution on health, apart from the actual losses of species etc. is weak. A major effort needs to be initiated on this front.

  7. These are but a few of the environmental stress areas facing us. Imperative action is called for and non lapse of time or action can be condoned.

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