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Overview

Stewardship and Case Studies

April 10, 2024
2 min read
case-study punjab sikkim solar conservation

Stewardship: Responsible Use

Stewardship means acting as caretakers of the Earth. It involves using resources in a way that enables the restoration of renewables and the judicious use of non-renewables.

Case Study 1: Groundwater in Punjab (The Crisis)

Punjab was the heart of the Green Revolution, making India food self-sufficient. However, this came at a high ecological cost.

  • Cause:
    1. Shift to water-intensive crops (Paddy/Rice) in the 1960s.
    2. Free electricity supply encouraged over-pumping.
  • Effect:
    1. Groundwater levels dropped drastically (inaccessible up to 30 meters depth in some areas).
    2. 80% of Punjab is classified as ‘over-exploited’.
    3. Chemical fertilizers/pesticides leached into water, causing health hazards.
  • Lesson: Food security was ensured for the short term, but long-term sustainability was compromised.

Case Study 2: Organic Farming in Sikkim (The Solution)

Sikkim provides a contrasting success story of Sustainable Agriculture.

  • The Transition: Faced with declining yields and debt from chemicals, the state promoted organic farming.
  • Method:
    1. Banned chemical inputs.
    2. Used compost, neem/garlic repellents.
    3. Adopted mixed cropping.
  • Result: In 2016, Sikkim became a 100% Organic State.
    • Biodiversity returned (insects/birds).
    • Farmers’ income grew by 20%.
    • Tourism boomed.
Note

Traditional Wisdom: Vrikshayurveda (Science of plant life) is an ancient text from the 10th century CE that documents sustainable practices like crop rotation and natural pest management.

Case Study 3: The Cement Industry (Pollution Challenge)

Cement is essential for modern infrastructure but is highly polluting.

  • Impact: Releases fine dust damaging lungs and reducing plant yields.
  • Mitigation: Guidelines by the Central Pollution Control Board and a shift towards alternative materials (mud, recycled plastic).

Case Study 4: International Solar Alliance (Renewable Future)

To combat reliance on fossil fuels, India and France launched the International Solar Alliance (ISA) in 2015.

  • Goal: Harness solar power in sunshine-rich countries.
  • Example: The Bhadla Solar Park in Rajasthan is a symbol of this transition.
  • Lokasangraha: A concept from the Bhagavad Gita meaning acting for the wellbeing of all—a guiding principle for global environmental cooperation.