A report from "The Pioneer", Dated 22.06.1995 : an interview with the Press Reporter
"The most pressing problem is that of power"
V. Subramanian, Professor at JNU’s School of Environmental Sciences, speaks about major research areas to Soumyajit Pattnaik
What are the major goals and achievements of the School of Environmental Sciences (SES)?
The SES founded in 1975 is the oldest institute in the field of environmental sciences in the country. In a way we are the pioneers in the field of environmental research in India. As you know, environment is a very vague subject. Starting from water quality to environmental change - everything comes under its rubric. You cannot offer a whole package to the students on environment at the Master’s level. We have, therefore, designed a package which takes into account the student’s background and try to make the best use of that background for our research needs. For example, a student with the background of chemistry looks at the problem of fluoride in ground waters while someone from geology background looks at the changes in land-use pattern due to excessive mining.
Which are the major thrust areas of the research carried out in the School?
Our strong point lies in three specific areas - sustainable development and biodiversity water quality erosion by rivers and biogeochemistry. I would also like to mention the atomic circulation models and the ecological models developed by my colleagues. For the first time in India, by using the DNA as a tool, we are looking at the problem of biodiversity. We have also done some important works on changes in drainage basin of important river systems.
What is the major difference between the programmes that you offer and the programmes offered by the IITs?
There is a difference. The IITs take a technological to environmental problems where as we take a scientific approach. For the IITs the problem of water quality degradation is a problem of designing a plant to control water quality. Our approach is more academic - we would like to know in depth the reasons or the fundamental aspects of such degradation. We do not cater to the market. Our students are in a position to tell you what are the causes and remedies; not just technological solutions.
Do you have all the state-of-the-art equipments in your laboratory?
We are fortunate to have attracted various funding from a number of agencies (UGC, Ministry of Environment) and the laboratory is developing very well. We have almost all the modern equipment for the routine use. Besides we have working arrangements with other Institutes.
What are the major environmental problems in terms of urgent need for taking corrective action?
The most pressing problems is that of power- the generation, transportation and distribution problems. To solve any environmental problems power is most important. You can not tell us to learn to live with less power. Civilization can not be rolled back. Secondly, the water problem. India has one of the largest fresh water resources but still we have water crisis. The problem is basically political in nature. River is the state subject. To achieve distribution of water on a national scale. It must be major federal subject and federal solutions must be sought. Otherwise problems like Cauvery and Narmada will linger. Health-related issues are also connected with water. most over diseases are water borne. In terms of water quality we are not facing a chemical problem but biological-physical problem.
What about the air pollution in Metropolitan cities?
All major cities of India are facing this problem. A man on the street can feel it without the scientist’s research. The major cause is the inefficiencies of the vehicles-not efficient from energy point of view. The pollution checks are going on the cities are meaningless without increasing transport efficiency. Industry-based air pollution can be checked because they have a point source but vehicular pollution can not be checked as they do not have a point source. They are moving, not static.
What has the rule of the NGOs in creating environmental awareness and carrying out environmental research?
Some of the NGOs working at the grassroots are doing very good jobs. But some of the high flying NGOs which are highly vocal, organize meetings in five star hotels and are mostly seen at International transit lounges are not doing their job honestly. The entire community of environmental NGOs should be reviewed by a competent authority as to who are genuine and who are misusing the name.
The National Committee for the International Geosphere Biosphere Program(IGBP) has come out with an informative first Newsletter in June 1995. This Committee, constituted by INSA, has the following members: Prof. B.L.Deekshatulu, NRSA, Hyderabad, Cairman; Prof. P.Khanna, Director, NEERI; Dr.I.P.Abrol, Dy. Director General, ICAR; Prof. S.Krishnaswami, PRL, Ahmedabad; Dr. G.B.Pant, Dy. Director, IITM, Pune; as members and Dr. D.C.Parashar, Dy. Director, NPL, New Delhi as member-secretary.
A number of Project Co-ordinators at the National level has been identified for various Projects. The respective areas are:
International Global Atmospheric Chemistry(IGAC)
- Prof. B.H.Subbaraya, PRL
Joint Global Ocean Flux Study(JGOFS)
- Prof. S.Krishnaswami, PRL
Land-Ocean Interactions in the Coastal Zone(LOICZ)
- Dr. S.W.A.Naqvi, NIO
Biospheric Aspects of Hydrological Cycle(BAHC)
- Prof. V.Subramanian, JNU
Global Change and Terrestrial Ecosystems(GCTE)
- Dr. I.P.Abrol, ICAR
Past Global Changes(PAGES)
- Dr. G.B.Pant, IITM
Global Analysis, Interpretation and Modelling(GAIM)
- Dr. K.S.Yajnik, CMMACS
Land Use/Cover Change(LUCC)
- Dr. J.S.Pande, NEERI
Data and Information System(DIS)
- Prof. T.S.Viswanadham, INSDOC
Human Dimensions of the Environmental Change Programme(HDP)
- Prof. P.S.Ramakrishnan, JNU
Readers are urged to contact concerned Co-ordinators for participation in their respective areas of research.
A brain storming session for BAHC activities is scheduled to be held in Delhi in October, 1995. Those desirous of participation should submit a research proposal to me for Consideration of the INC. Deadline August 15, 1995. Details of BAHC was already given in the first Newsletter.
