ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT - I SEMESTER - I CLASS: FYBCom (MS)/ FYBCom (A&F)/FYBAMMC/FYBSCIT/FYBSCDS BY PROFESSOR SANOBAR SHAIKH MODULE:1 Introduction to Disasters MEANING : A disaster is a sudden, calamitous event that seriously disrupts the functioning of a community or society and causes human, material, economic, or environmental losses that exceed the community’s or society’s ability to cope using its own resources Disasters can be natural or man - made and have the following characteristics : Characteristics of disasters are as follows : ● Sudden or Gradual Onset : Disasters often strike with little or no warning it can occur suddenly (e.g. earthquakes, explosions) or gradually (e.g., droughts, pandemics). ● Need for External Assistance : The affected community may not be able to respond effectively without help. ● Wide - ranging Impact : Disasters affect multiple sectors including health, economy, environment, and social fabric. ● Human or Natural Origin: Disasters may be natural (e.g., floods, volcanic eruptions) or man - made (e.g., industrial accidents, wars). ● Overwhelms Local Capacity: The scale of a disaster often exceeds the ability of the affected community to cope using its own resources. ● Loss of Life and Property: Disasters often lead to casualties, injuries, displacement, and damage to infrastructure. ● Long - term Effects: Disasters can have long - term psychological, social, economic, and environmental consequences. Overview of Natural and Human - Induced Disasters Overview of Natural Disasters: Natural disasters are catastrophic events that occur due to natural phenomena. These includes the following: ● Geological : Earthquakes, volcanic eruptions ● Meteorological : Cyclones/ Hurricanes/Typhoons , thunderstorms, Blizzards, etc. ● Hydrological : Floods, tsunamis , etc. ● Climatological : Droughts, extreme temperatures, Wildlife fires ● Biological : Epidemics, infestations, etc. Overview of Human - Induced Disasters Human - induced disasters, also known as man - made disasters, are events that result from human actions or negligence. These include industrial, technological, and social disasters. ● Industrial accidents : Chemical spills, gas leaks (e.g. Bhopal Gas Tragedy) ● Technological failures : Nuclear accidents, dam failure. ● Social conflicts : Terrorism, war, riots, stc ● Public health crises : Pandemics worsened by poor policy or response Major Natural Disasters: FLOODS: Floods are the natural calamities resulted on account of either heavy rains or melting of snow and the consequent rise in the water level in the rivers; such flooding can occur in lakes, creeks, bays and coastal plains. This leads to large - scale migration of the people on the higher grounds and slopes. Very often flood is a temporary phenomenon but at the same time it can cause a loss to the human life and property on a large scale within a short span of time. Major floods prone areas include: river banks and deltas, and coastal regions of Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, and South Gujarat. STORMS: Storm are the weather phenomena associated with strong winds followed by rains. Winds blow on account of the pressure difference between two regions. Steeper the pressure gradient greater will be the speed of the winds that blow from high pressure to low pressure. Storms are also temporary phenomena and they become mild as the pressure get balanced due to the movement of the air. TSUNAMI : Tsunamis are very high sea - waves which generate into the seas/oceans on account of very intense earthquake of the order of more than 8 on the Richter scale Such earthquake occurs somewhere in the deeper parts of the ocean floor especially where the two adjoining crustal plates collide or slide or move along each other The severe earthquakes cause the crust to vibrate and generate earthquake waves of various magnitude to cause a sea - wave that moves huge mass of the sea - water towards the coasts These waves become very huge by the time they reach the shoreline CYCLONES : Storms are the early warnings for the oncoming cyclones that generate into the seas and gradually approach the coasts Cyclones are, technically, the intense low - pressure systems that develop over the seas (say Bay of Bengal) by the potential heat of evaporation Such system is associated with very strong whirling winds around an ‘eye’ ( centre ) of the cyclone The circulating air lifts the moisture - laden air to the higher and higher altitude leading to the heavy rainfall EARTHQUAKES: Earthquakes are primarily caused by the sudden release of energy in the Earth's crust, resulting in seismic waves that cause the ground to shake. This energy release typically occurs when there's a slip on a fault, a fracture in the Earth's crust. The movement of tectonic plates, which make up the Earth's surface, is a major factor in causing these slips. These plates are constantly moving, but they can get stuck at their edges due to friction. When the stress on the edges overcomes the friction, the plates suddenly slip, causing an earthquake. Major earthquake prone areas include: Himalayan region, including Kashmir and the northeastern states, as well as in the Rann of Kutch in Gujarat. VOLCANIC ERUPTION: A volcanic eruption is the expulsion of gases, rock fragments, and/or molten lava from within the Earth through a vent onto the Earth's surface or into the atmosphere. When volcanoes arise, they can spew hot, dangerous gases, ash, lava and rock that can cause disastrous loss of life and property, especially in heavily populated areas. Pacific Ring of Fire Indonesia, Japan, the United States, Russia, and Chile are among the nations with the most active volcanoes and frequent eruptions. FOREST FIRES: Forest fires, also known as wildfires, are uncontrolled fires that spread rapidly through forests and other wildland areas. They can be caused by both natural events, like lightning strikes, and human activities, such as discarded cigarettes or camp fires. Lightning strikes are a primary natural cause, igniting dry vegetation during storms, eg. South Korea , Arizona, USA, California, USA. Major Human Induced Disasters CAUSES OF EARTHQUAKES Volcanic Activity: During volcanic eruptions, magma movement creates pressure inside the Earth’s crust. When this pressure is suddenly released, volcanic earthquakes occur. Example: Earthquakes near Mount Fuji, Japan. Tectonic Plate Movements: The Earth’s crust is divided into large plates. When these plates collide, slide past, or move away from each other, tremendous pressure builds up. Once released, it causes an earthquake. Example: The Himalayan region is highly prone to tectonic earthquakes. Faulting and Elastic Rebound: When rocks break along fault lines due to stress, the sudden slip causes vibrations. This is the most common reason for earthquakes. Man - made Causes: Activities like mining, dam construction (reservoir - induced seismicity), nuclear testing, and drilling sometimes disturb the Earth’s crust and trigger mild earthquakes. Landslides and Rockfalls Large landslides or the collapse of rock masses can generate localized earthquakes, particularly in mountainous regions. These earthquakes are usually of low intensity. Meteorite or Asteroid Impact When a large meteorite strikes the Earth's surface, the immense force of impact releases energy that can generate earthquake - like vibrations. Although rare, such events can cause significant destruction. Isostatic Adjustment (Glacial Rebound) After glaciers melt, the enormous weight on the Earth's crust is removed. The land slowly rises to regain its original position, creating stress that can result in earthquakes. Collapse of Underground Cavities The collapse of natural caves, mines, or underground cavities can cause minor earthquakes. These are generally localized and of low magnitude. CAUSES OF TSUNAMIS Undersea Earthquakes: Most tsunamis are generated when tectonic plates beneath the ocean suddenly shift, causing the seafloor to uplift or sink. This displaces a huge volume of water, creating waves. Collapse of Volcanic Islands Sometimes, part of a volcanic island collapses into the sea after an eruption or due to structural instability. The sudden movement of rock displaces water and generates a tsunami A combination of an undersea earthquake, volcanic eruption, and underwater landslide can produce an exceptionally destructive tsunami because each event contributes to water displacement. Submarine Landslides Earthquakes, volcanic activity, or unstable underwater slopes can cause large masses of rock and sediment to slide along the ocean floor. This rapid movement displaces seawater and generates tsunami waves. Large landslides from cliffs, mountains, or coastal regions can suddenly fall into the sea or a large lake, creating localized but powerful tsunamis Human - Induced Explosions Large underwater explosions, such as nuclear tests or major industrial blasts, can create small tsunami - like waves by rapidly displacing water. These are generally much smaller than naturally occurring tsunamis. Meteorite or Asteroid Impact (Rare Cause) If a large meteorite or asteroid strikes the ocean, the enormous impact displaces vast amounts of water, producing giant tsunami waves. Although extremely rare, such events can have global consequences. CAUSES OF FLOODS : Heavy Rainfall : Prolonged and intense rainfall can overwhelm drainage systems and river capacity, leading to overflow and flooding. Eg. Kerala Floods (2018) River Overflow : Rivers can exceed their capacity due to heavy rainfall, snowmelt, or blockages, causing them to overflow their banks. Storm Surges : In coastal areas, strong winds associated with storms can push seawater inland, causing flooding. Cyclone Amphan (2020) West Bengal Cloudbursts : Intense, localized precipitation over a short period can lead to flash floods, especially in mountainous regions. Kedarnath Disaster (2013) in Uttarakhand Dam and Levee Failures : Structures built to contain water can fail due to age, poor maintenance, or excessive water pressure, resulting in catastrophic flooding. September 2025 , the Luti Reservoir (Luti Dam) Chhattisgarh Sediment Deposition : Deposition of sediments in riverbeds can reduce the river's capacity to carry water, increasing the likelihood of overflow. Improper Drainage : Inadequate or poorly maintained drainage systems can fail to handle heavy rainfall, leading to localized flooding. Climate Change : Climate change can intensify rainfall patterns, increase sea levels, and accelerate glacial melting, all of which can contribute to increased flood risks. Deforestation : Loss of trees reduces the land's ability to absorb rainfall, increasing surface runoff and the risk of flooding. Urbanization : Paved surfaces in urban areas prevent water from seeping into the ground, leading to increased runoff and potential flooding. IMPACTS OF EARTHQUAKES/TSUNAMIS/FLOOD: Displacement of People Many people lose their homes and are forced to stay in temporary shelters or relief camps, leading to migration and homelessness. Environmental Damage: Saltwater inundation can contaminate freshwater supplies, damage agricultural land, and harm wildlife habitats. Infrastructure Damage: Tsunamis can destroy roads, bridges, ports, and other critical infrastructure, hindering rescue and recovery efforts. Loss of Life: Tsunamis are a major cause of fatalities during earthquakes, with waves capable of wiping out entire coastal communities. Economic Loss Businesses, industries, agriculture, fisheries, and tourism suffer heavy financial losses. Governments also incur huge expenses on rescue, relief, and reconstruction. Habitat Destruction: Tsunamis can decimate coastal ecosystems, including mangrove stands, coral reefs, and coastal tree plantations, destroying habitats for a variety of species and impacting biodiversity richness. Health Problems Lack of clean water, food shortages, poor sanitation, and overcrowded shelters increase the risk of diseases such as cholera, diarrhea , malaria and dengue. Long - Term Development Challenges Recovery and reconstruction require significant time and financial resources, delaying economic growth and reducing the overall quality of life. PREPAREDNESS FOR FLOODS AND CYCLONES : Strengthen Disaster Management Authorities Establish and empower local disaster management authorities to coordinate preparedness, response, rescue, and relief operations. Coastal Zone Management: Enforce coastal regulation zone norms and land - use planning to prevent development in vulnerable areas and protect natural ecosystems like mangroves. Promote Livelihood Diversification: Reduce dependence on cyclone - prone sectors by promoting alternative livelihoods and social protection schemes. Community Engagement: Foster cooperation and partnerships between government agencies, NGOs, and local communities to enhance preparedness and response. Emergency Kits: Prepare a disaster supply kit with essential items such as a portable radio, torch, first - aid kit, non - perishable food, and water. Community Awareness and Training : Conduct awareness campaigns, mock drills, and disaster preparedness training for local communities. Evacuation: Familiarize yourself with evacuation routes and designated shelters, and be prepared to evacuate if advised by authorities. Ensures Safety: Stay indoors, disconnect electrical appliances, and listen to local authorities for updates. Financial Preparedness: Keep some cash handy, along with important documents like ration cards and ID cards. DROUGHTS IN MAHARASHTRA Maharashtra is one of India's most drought - prone states due to its semi - arid climate and dependence on the southwest monsoon. Regions such as Marathwada, Vidarbha, and parts of Western Maharashtra frequently experience water scarcity because of low and erratic rainfall. Key Characteristics of Drought - Prone Areas: Low annual rainfall (less than 750 mm) Groundwater depletion High dependence on rain - fed agriculture Poor irrigation infrastructure Repeated crop failures These areas are mainly caused by deficient and erratic monsoon rainfall , which disrupted crop sowing and growth. High temperatures increased evaporation, reducing water availability in reservoirs and rivers. The heavy dependence on rain - fed agriculture , especially in Marathwada, made farmers highly vulnerable to rainfall shortages. Excessive groundwater extraction further lowered water levels, while climate change contributed to irregular rainfall patterns and prolonged dry spells. Major Drought - Prone areas in Maharashtra 1.Aurangabad - Marathwada Region (most severely affected) Beed,Latur,Osmanabad,Nanded,Parbhani, Hingoli,Jalna 2. Vidarbha Region (especially Western Vidarbha) Akola,Amravati,Washim,Buldhana,Yavat mal (parts) 3. Western Maharashtra Solapur,Ahmednagar,Pune (rural areas),Satara (some parts) 4. Northern Maharashtra Nashik (drought in talukas like Yeola , Malegaon), Dhule,Nandurbar,Jalgaon (some talukas CAUSES OF DROUGHTS IN MAHARASHTRA Irregular Monsoon: The state is highly dependent on the southwest monsoon. However, the monsoon often arrives late, withdraws early, or provides le ss rainfall than required. This leads to water shortages and crop failure, as most farming is rain - fed. Geographical Conditions: Large parts of Maharashtra lie in the rain - shadow region of the Western Ghats, where clouds lose most of their moisture before r eaching Marathwada and Vidarbha. As a result, these areas receive very low and uncertain rainfall every year. Over - dependence on Rain - fed Agriculture: Nearly 60% of farming in Maharashtra depends directly on rainfall. When the monsoon fails, farmers cannot irrigate their crop s, leading to repeated crop failures and food insecurity. Groundwater Depletion: Over - extraction of groundwater for water - intensive crops like sugarcane has reduced water levels drastically. During dry years, borewells run dry, leaving farmers without irrigation or drinking water. Deforestation and Climate Change: Deforestation reduces the soil’s ability to retain moisture, while climate change has increased the frequency of heat waves a nd unpredictable rainfall. These factors worsen the intensity and frequency of droughts IMPACTS OF DROUGHTS IN MAHARASHTRA : Agricultural Losses: Droughts cause severe crop failures, drying of orchards, and loss of fodder. Livestock deaths also increase due to lack of wa ter and fodder, which reduces rural incomes. Economic Distress: Farmers fall into debt due to repeated crop losses and are unable to repay loans. This often forces rural families to migrate to cities in search of daily wage work. Water Scarcity: Villages face acute shortage of drinking water. Women and children have to walk long distances to fetch water, and tanker sup ply becomes common in drought - affected districts. Social Issues: Prolonged droughts have led to farmer suicides in Marathwada and Vidarbha. Decline in livelihoods, unemployment, and poor liv ing conditions create a major social crisis. CASE STUDY: BHOPAL GAS TRAGEDY 1984 https://www.youtube.com/watch?si=FGR4jin2JpWYcQ9D&v=2O7GjYAV4Ro&feature=youtu.be https://youtu.be/xXyFUGmlYqo?si=i4E7uAocucfVvDdv The Bhopal gas tragedy, one of the world's worst industrial disasters, occurred on the night of December 2nd - 3rd, 1984, in Bhopal, India. A leak of methyl isocyanate (MIC) gas from a Union Carbide India Limited (UCIL) pesticide plant resulted in thousands of immediate deaths and injuries, with long - term health consequences for hundreds of thousands more. A large quantity of Methyl Isocyanate (MIC) gas leaked from a storage tank after water entered the tank, triggering a chemical reaction. Poor maintenance, faulty safety systems and inadequate emergency preparedness worsened the disaster. While the immediate aftermath saw thousands of deaths and widespread injuries, the long - term effects include chronic respiratory problems, neurological damage, and birth defects. The tragedy also spurred environmental protection efforts. Over 3,000 people died within the first few days and the total death toll over time is estimated to be more than 15,000 . More than 500,000 people were exposed to the toxic gas. Thousands suffered from breathing problems, eye irritation, lung damage, and other long - term health issues The events in Bhopal revealed that expanding industrialization in developing countries without concurrent evolution in safety regulations could have catastrophic consequences. The disaster demonstrated that seemingly local problems of industrial hazards and toxic contamination are often tied to global market dynamics. UCC's Sevin production plant was built in Madhya Pradesh not to avoid environmental regulations in the U.S. but to exploit the large and growing Indian pesticide market. However, the manner in which the project was executed suggests the existence of a double standard for multinational corporations operating in developing countries. Major Impacts: Immediate Deaths Long - Term Health Issues Neurological Effects Psychological Trauma Ongoing Health Problems GroundwaterContamination Pollution of Water Sources Environmental Degradation Legal and Social Impacts Legal Battles CASE STUDY Vizag Gas Leak https://youtu.be/OOdBR4Y9F7E?si=iHrcntrdDmHGyLgD https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Visakhapatnam_gas_leak#Remedial_measures_by_LG The deadly leak occurred at the South Korea - owned LG Polymers plant in Visakhapatnam city on 7 May2020. The Visakhapatnam gas leak, also referred to as the Vizag gas leak, was an industrial accident that occurred at the LG Polymers chemical plant in the R. R. Venkatapuram village of the Gopalapatnam neighbourhood , located at the outskirts of Visakhapatnam , Andhra Pradesh , India , during the early morning of 7 May 2020. The resulting vapour cloud spread over a radius of around 3.0 km, affecting the nearby areas and villages. As per the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), the death toll was 13, and more than 1,000 people became sick after being exposed to the gas. ending to a buildup of pressure and subsequent leakage. The failure of the refrigeration system and improper storage caused styrene to heat up, increasing pressure inside the storage tank and resulting in the gas leak. The arrests are the result of an official investigation into the cause of the leak, which found evidence of negligence and poor safety standard. The inquiry found that "less stringent standards may have been applied to the Indian facility due to negligence, leading eventually to the disaster", Preliminary investigations concluded that the accident was likely the result of insufficient maintenance of units storing the styrene monomer, improper storage, and operation errors. The leak was from one of two chemical tanks that had been left unattended since March 2020 due to the COVID - 19 lockdown The plant remained shut during the COVID - 19 lockdown, and inadequate monitoring and maintenance of the styrene storage tanks contributed to the accident. The malfunctioning of the tank's refrigerating unit led to an increase in temperature, causing the liquid chemical, suspected to be styrene , to evaporate. However, experts have claimed that other chemicals may have also leaked, as styrene is unlikely to spread over 4 to 5 kilometres due to its chemical properties. MAJOR IMPACTS: Immediate Effects: Exposure to styrene gas caused immediate health problems like throat irritation, skin irritation, breathing difficulties, vomiting, and burning sensations in the eyes. Long - Term Effects: Chronic exposure to styrene can affect the central nervous system, leading to headaches, fatigue, depression, hearing loss, and peripheral neuropathy. Water and Soil Pollution: The leak caused significant water and soil pollution, affecting the local ecosystem. Spread of Gas: The styrene vapor spread over a 3km radius from the plant, impacting nearby villages. Economic Losses: The incident led to economic losses for the LG Polymers plant and potentially for businesses in the affected area. Health Issues: Many people suffered from long - term health problems, including neurological issues, kidney problems, and gastrointestinal issues. Environmental Damage: The extent of environmental damage, particularly to soil and water, required ongoing monitoring and remediation. Impact of Terrorism and Wars MEANING: War and terrorism are indeed a breakdown of humanity, acts which seem to undermine and sideline the values at the heart of human rights – and the legal system which protects them. However, even in the midst of such a breakdown, human rights continue to operate, albeit in a weakened state, and although they cannot fix all evils, they can provide some minimal protection and some hope for justice. IMPACT ON ECONOMY: Infrastructure Damage: Terrorist attacks and war zones often result in the destruction of physical infrastructure, including buildings, transportati on networks, and utilities. Loss of Human Capital: Terrorism and war can lead to casualties and displacement, resulting in a loss of human capital and productivity Increased Uncertainty: Terrorism and war create uncertainty in markets, affecting business confidence and consumer spending. Reduced Trade and Investment: Terrorist attacks can disrupt trade routes, deter foreign direct investment, and reduce tourism. IMPACT ON HUMAN LIFE: Injuries and Death: Wars and terrorist attacks result in direct casualties, injuries, and disabilities, ranging from physical trauma to chronic p ain Disease and Health Issues: Conflicts disrupt healthcare systems, leading to increased vulnerability to diseases, and can exacerbate existing health prob lem s. Displacement and Refugee Crisis: War and terrorism force people to flee their homes, creating refugee crises and straining resources in host countries. Psychological Impacts: Trauma and Mental Health: Exposure to violence and conflict can cause severe psychological trauma, including PTSD, depression, and anxiety.