Role of IT & Computer in Environment

We are indebted to our Environmental Science Teacher,
Dr. Nidhi Gauba
for her whole hearted support in the making of this project.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

S No: Topic Pg No
1 Report
2 Introduction
3 Main Study
4 Conclusion
5 Bibliography
6 Remarks
CONTENTS

Local, regional, and global environmental degradation—such as loss of
biodiversity, greenhouse gas emissions, worldwide deforestation, depletion of
stratospheric ozone, urban air pollution, acid rain, pollution of freshwater and
the oceans, contamination of arable land and loss of topsoil and shortages of
water, food, materials, and fuels in many parts of the world—are of growing
international concern. While there are great uncertainties about the causes
and effects of global environmental changes, the consequences of these
changes for national economies, human health, and quality of life could be
severe.
The development and use of technologies that do not harm the environment is
critical to maintaining and improving quality of life. We also recognize that the
wise use of technology is a necessary but not sufficient prerequisite for
sustainable development. We are convinced, however, that socially
compatible and environmentally sound economic development is possible
only by charting a course that makes full use of environmentally
advantageous technologies. By this, we mean technologies that utilize
resources as efficiently as possible and minimize environmental harm while
increasing industrial productivity and improving quality of life.
Historically, new technologies have evolved in response to population and
economic pressures and demands for increased safety, better health, more
nutritious food, economic welfare, security, and a sound environment.
Technological advances have made possible new sources of energy, new
materials, improved health care, increased industrial productivity and food
supplies, global communications, and remediation of environmental damage.
These achievements, in turn, have helped rural areas, cities, and nations
around the world to improve their standards of living and support growing
populations.
Many aspects of economic development and environmental protection would
not be possible without technology. Water-resources management, sanitation,
transportation, energy production and use, manufacturing, communication,
agriculture and aquaculture, education, and health care all have a significant
technological basis. Similarly, the means to manage population growth have
been made possible by pharmaceutical technologies—drugs and medical
devices that have helped reduce birth rates in many parts of the world.
INTRODUCTION

One important aspect of global technological advance is the transfer of
technology from developed to developing nations. Power generation is a good
example. Plants already technically established and economical in the
industrialized world offer potential for increasing energy efficiency in the
emerging, densely populated areas of Asia, Africa, and the Americas. While
the technology clearly exists, investment incentives are called for if these
capital intensive processes are to replace less efficient ones in the developing
world as well as in the developed world.
To harness technologies for environmentally sustainable development,
effective national and multilateral economic policies and management
strategies that have sustainability as their primary objective are needed. In
every region, the most important first step is to build indigenous technological
capacity, which includes trained experts who can understand and take
advantage of existing technological knowledge.
While governments play a critical part in the attainment of sustainable
development, the extensive capabilities of the private sector—particularly in
relation to technology development and technology transfer—also have a key
role. For example, industry is designing and producing products that consume
less energy and make systematic use and re-use of materials to contain them
within the economic system. Industry is also developing technologies to
restore, protect, and manage natural ecosystems. To encourage the
participation of the private sector, markets need to be open and intellectual
property must be protected.

Role of Information Technology in Environment
Among the modern technologies, Information Technology has changed the
human lifestyle.
Development of sophisticated instruments like computers, satellites,
telecommunication instruments etc have resulted in total revolution in almost
all spheres of life.
The important role of information technology in environment and human
health are as follows:
Remote sensing and Geographical
Information System (GIS) has
proved to be very effective tool in
environment management. Now, the
ongoing changes in the environment
can be assessed easily through
satellites by remote sensing
techniques. The occurrence of a
number of natural calamities like droughts, floods, volcanic erruptions etc.,
can also be predicted well in advance.
Such assessments help the environmentalists and planners to take
ameliorative measure to minimise the effects of these extreme natural events.
The Ministry of Environment and Forests, Government of India has created an
information system called Environmental Information System (ENVIS) with its
headquarters in Delhi. It provides a network database in environmental issues
like pollution control, renewable energy, desertification, biodiversity etc.
1. REMOTE SENSING

Database is the collection of inter-
related data on various subjects in
computerized form which can be
retreived whenever required. Now
the data regarding birth and death
rates, immunisation and sanitation
programmes can be maintained
more accurately than before in computers at health centers. Database is also
available about the diseases like malaria, fluorosis, AIDS etc. The Ministry of
Environment and Forests, Government of India has taken up the task of
compiling a database on various environmental issues like wildlife, forests
cover, wasteland etc.
Information technology also plays a key
role in human health. It helps the doctors
to monitor the health of people of that
area. The information regarding outbreak
of epidemic diseases from remote areas
can be sent more quickly to the district
administration to take corrective
measures. Now, patients can seek help of
a super specialist doctor placed at far off
distance. Many hospitals now, take on-line help of experts to provide better
treatment and services to their patients. This has become possible only
because of advancement of IT in the recent times.
It provides vast quantum of information on different
subjects including human health and environment.
2. DATABASE
3. HUMAN HEALTH
4. ONLINE INFORMATION

Remote Sensing Technologies
The traditional techniques focused on mapping and aerial photography.
Prior to the introduction of computers, aerial photographs were acquired,
processed, and interpreted manually and/or by mechanical devices.
Application of maps and aerial photography has been a valuable tool for
environmental conservation. The introduction and proliferation of computers in
the Field of remote sensing, in addition to satellites, has changed the way
data is acquired, processed, and analysed.
The use of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) as a tool in environmental
conservation is increasing. Geographic Information Systems are systems
where geographic data describing features on the earth's surface are
managed, displayed, manipulated, and analysed. Digital remote sensing and
the use of GIS make it possible to rapidly collect and analyse spatial data,
yielding a powerful set of tools for the analysis of the source, extent, and
transport of various types of contamination.
The ability to analyse complex, spatial data makes GIS technology interesting
to a growing number of users within the environmental sciences community.
Applications include environmental monitoring and analysis, modeling
nonpoint runoff, landscape ecology, flood control modeling, enforcement
actions, and emergency response support.
Using GIS, a scientist is able to
present a complete picture of a
site location, tiering maps of
streams, geopolitical boundaries,
transportation routes, topography,
and examine the spatial
relationships between them. In
addition, GIS display tools allow
these relationships to be
communicated to others in a
meaningful way.

Some other remote sensing technologies include:
Satellites
It obtains and uses high-resolution satellite data (e.g. Ikonos, Quickbird, Spot)
to generate terrain models, make classifications, generate orthophotos or
carry out photogrammetric measurements.
HRSC
It uses high-resolution stereo cameras, like the HRSC-A system, to provide
digital orthophotos and multispectral data (RGB + IR) as well as digital height
models (grid size= 0.3m to 0.8m) in a short period of time. The resolution of
this camera is 15cm in location and height.
Radar
Weather-independent flights over regions and stretches of water with
aeroplane-supported Interferomatetric Satellite Aperture Radar (InSAR). The
collection of data for processing customer and project-specific tasks occurs in
various polarisations and frequencies, e.g. in the P, L, C and/or X bands. The
microwaves in the P band frequency range penetrate the vegetation, meaning
the terrain surface (e.g. forest floor) is photographed.
Geophysics
Geophysics is the branch of science concerned with investigating the physical
properties of the earth. Geophysical engineering measuring methods use
these properties and parameters, e.g. the magnetic field, electrical field, field
of gravity as well as geological and morphological characteristics of the
subsoil.
LIDAR
A particularly economical method for creating digital terrain models is use air-
supported laserscan technology (LIDAR).

Among the many projects out there using IT and computers for environmental
conservation, we found ENVIS the most ideal.
Introduction
Realising the importance of Environmental Information, the Government of
India, in December, 1982, established an Environmental Information
System (ENVIS) as a plan programme. The focus of ENVIS since inception
has been on providing environmental information to decision makers, policy
planners, scientists and engineers, research workers, etc. all over the country.
Since environment is a broad-ranging, multi-disciplinary subject, a
comprehensive information system on environment would necessarily involve
effective participation of concerned institutions/ organisations in the country
that are actively engaged in work relating to different subject areas of
environment. ENVIS has, therefore, developed itself with a network of such
participating institutions/organisations for the programme to be meaningful. A
large number of nodes, known as ENVIS Centres, have been established in
the network to cover the broad subject areas of environment with a Focal
Point in the Ministry of Environment & Forests.
ENVIS due to its comprehensive network has been designed as the National
Focal Point (NFP) for INFOTERRA, a global environmental information
network of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). In order to
strengthen the information activities of the NFP, ENVIS was designated as the
Regional Service Centre (RSC) of INFOTERRA of UNEP in 1985 for the
South Asia Sub-Region countries.
MAIN STUDY

What Is It Exactly?
ENVIS is a decentralised system with a network of distributed subject oriented
Centres ensuring integration of national efforts in environmental information
collection, collation, storage, retrieval and dissemination to all concerned.
Presently the ENVIS network consists of Focal Point at the Ministry of
Environment and Forest and ENVIS Centres setup in different
organisations/establishments in the country in selected areas of
environment. These Centres have been set up in the areas of pollution
control, toxic chemicals, central and offshore ecology, environmentally sound
and appropriate technology, bio-degradation of wastes and environment
management, etc.
ENVIS focal point ensures integration of national efforts in environmental
information collection, collation, storage, retrieval and dissemination to all
concerned.

Objectives of Environmental Information System
Long-term objectives:
1. to build up a repository and dissemination centre in Environmental
Science and Engineering;
2. to gear up the modern technologies of acquistion, processing,
storage, retrieval and dissemination of information of environmental
nature; and
3. to support and promote research, development and innovation in
environmental information technology.
Short-term objectives:
1. to provide national environmental information service relevant to
present needs and capable of develoment to meet the future needs
of the users, originators, processors and disseminators of
information;
2. to build up storage, retrieval and dissemination capabilities with the
ultimate objectives of disseminating information speedily to the
users;
3. to promote, national and international cooperation and liasion for
exchange of environment related information;
4. to promote, support and assist education and personnel training
programmes designed to enhance environmental information
processing and utilisation capabilities;
5. to promote exchange of information amongst developing countries.

ENVIS Network
Presently, the ENVIS network consist of 76 ENVIS centres apart from the
focal point, out of which, 29 ENVIS Centres are on State Government
Departments dealing with the Status of Environment and related issues of the
concerned State Government and the remaining 47 have been set up on
various environmental disciplines covering from air pollution, water pollution,
noise pollution, biodiversity, solid waste management, ecology and
ecosystems, environmental education, NGOs, media and even environmental
parliament, coastal ecosystem, clean technology, etc.
ENVIS-Nodes
To strengthen ENVIS in disseminating information pertaining to environment
and sustainable development, ENVIS India is in the process of establishing
Eighty Five ENVIS Nodes by involving Organizations, institutions,
Universities and Government departments working in diverse areas of
environment.
ENVIS India has already established Eighty One partner nodes, which
include Thirty government departments, Thirty Six Institutions and Fifteen
NGOs. These nodes are supposed to create websites on specific
environment related subject areas.
The responsibility of the ENVIS Centres and Nodes are :
 Establishment of linkages with all information sources, and creation
of data bank on selected parameters in the subject area assigned.
 Identification of information gaps.
 Publish newsletters and Bulletins.
 Develop library facility and provide support to the focal point on the
subject area.
Most importantly serve as interface for the
users on the assigned subject.

The following will be discussed in detail:
I. FOCAL POINT:
II. AN ENVIS CENTRE:
III. A GOVT NODE:
Department of Environment - Govt. of NCT
of Delhi
Level-6, Wing-C,
Delhi Secretariat,
New Delhi-110 002, Delhi
URL: http://www.dpcc.delhigovt.nic.in
Status of
Environment
and Related
Issues
Status of
Environment
S.No. Name & Address Subject Area
Sub network
Area
Central Pollution Control Board(CPCB)
Parivesh Bhawan, CBD-Cum Office Complex
East Arjun Nagar
Delhi-110 032, Delhi
URL: http://cpcbenvis.nic.in/
Control of Pollution
(Water, Air and
Noise)
Chemicals, Wastes
and Toxicology

ENVIS - Focal Point
The ENVIS has built up a reasonably good information base in the form of
publications, reports, reprints, bibliographies, abstracts, data bases etc., as
well as numerical data i.e. statistics relating to environment. The information
base/repository is being continuously strengthened. This involves regular
collection, collation and storage of scientific and technical information on
environment and related areas.
The establishment of several ENVIS Centres, located in different
organisations/institutuions in the country in selected areas of environment, as
part of ENVIS Network has considerably assisted in building up and
strengthening of this information base.
The focal point located in the Ministry of Environment and Forests.:
Its various services include:
1. Query/Answer Service
The ENVIS network as a whole responds to various requests for information
on diverse areas related to environment from different user groups. Besides
receiving several National/International queries, ENVIS as the National Focal
Point of INFOTERRA/UNEP and Regional Service Centre of INFOTERRA
has also been receiving queries from INFOTERRA users and from South
Asian Sub-Region countries. All such queries are responded to by supplying
substantive information in the form of bibliographies of reprints/reports etc.
In order that ENVIS as also the NFP of INFOTERRA is capable of responding
effectively to the users queries on different scientific and technical aspects of
environment, the system is building up a mechanism to acquire
comprehensive documents, technical reports, state of art reports, directories,
bibliographies, data bases, etc.
ENVIS is thus constantly engaged in building up its information resources and
in establishing its linkages with other national and international information
systems. Besides, it is also engaged in identifying institutions/organisations,
where new ENVIS Centres on areas of environment not covered so far will be
set up so as to provide comprehensive coverage on environment related
subject areas.

2. Referral Service
In some cases where ENVIS Focal Point is unable to provide substantive
information, referral service are provided to users. Referral means receiving
requests for information and referring enquiries to the source most likely to be
able to provide the desired information. For responding to the queries, focal
point makes use of the ENVIS network. INFOTERRA network as well as other
potential sources of information in the country.
3. Abstracting Service
The Focal Point regularly brings out a quarterly abstracting journal Paryavaran
Abstracts containing information about the Indian Research Inputs in the area
of environment. The journal has a circulation of over 2000. More than 500
environment related journals are referred to in the compilation of these
abstracts. The abstracts are arranged under major subject categories i.e.
 Environmental Management,
 Air Pollution,
 Water Pollution,
 Noise Pollution,
 Ecology,
 Nature and Natural Resources Conservation,
 Health and Toxicology,
 Wastes,
 Forestry and Environment,
 Wildlife,
 Energy and Plants and Pollution, etc.
For precise retrieval of information, subject key words index is also given at
the end of each issue. The language of the database is English and the
frequency of updation is quarterly. The number of records available are 4000
and the annual growth rate is 1000. The operating system is MS-DOS and the
software is CDS-ISIS.

ENVIS CENTRE: CPCB
(i) About the Host Organization
The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) is a statutory organisation
constituted in September,1974 under the Water (Prevention and Control of
Pollution) Act, 1974. CPCB was entrusted with the powers and functions
under the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981.
It serves as a field formation and provides technical services to the
Ministry of Environment and Forests for the provisions of the Environment
(Protection) Act, 1986. Principal functions of the CPCB, as per the Water
(Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974 and Air (Prevention and
Control of Pollution) Act, 1981, are to promote cleanliness of streams and
wells in different areas of the States by prevention, control and abatement
of water pollution, and to improve the quality of air and to prevent, control
or abate air pollution in the country.
(ii) Activities of the Centre
Distributed Information Centre (DIC): The centre was set up in the year
1983 to act as a network partner of the Environmental Information System
(ENVIS). Initially the centre was designated to provide information on air
and water pollution. But, it provides data and information on all aspects of
environmental pollution.
Scanning Journals: The journals received in the CPCB library are
scanned for disseminating information internally to its scientific & technical
personnel.
News Clippings: Providing daily in-house ‘paper clipping’ service for
disseminating information internally to its scientific & technical personnel.
Information Brochures and Pamphlets: Publishes information booklets
and pamphlets in Hindi and English on topics related to control of pollution
and protection of environment.

ENVIS NODE – DPCC
Delhi Pollution Control Committee by virtue of delegation of statutory powers
and functions by Central Board, has to carry out all the duties cast upon it
under Water Act and Air Act. It has also been entrusted with Statutory duties
under Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Cess Act, 1977 for
assessment/levy/collection of Cess from local authorities and specified
industries.
Under the above mentioned Acts and Rules, the main functions of the Delhi
Pollution Control Committee specified by Government of India as per the
Water, Air and Noise Pollution Act are as follows:
1. Advise the Delhi Government on any matter concerning prevention and
control of water and air pollution and improvement of the quality of air
2. Organize through mass media, a comprehensive mass awareness
programme on the prevention, control or abatement of water and air
pollution;
3. Collect, compile and publish technical and statistical data relating to
water and air pollution and the measures devised for their effective
prevention, control or abatement;
4. Disseminate information in respect of matters relating to water and air
pollution and their prevention and control;
5. Lay down standards for treatment of sewage and trade effluents and
for emissions from automobiles, industrial plants, and any other
polluting source;
6. Develop reliable and economically viable methods of treatment of
sewage, trade effluent and air pollution control equipment.

Online Sources:
ww.epa.gov
www.envis.nic.in/
www.envis.mse.ac.in/
www. envis.frlht.org.in
http://www.nap.edu
Books:
Technology and Environment
By Jesse H. Ausubel and Hedy E. Sladovich
BIBLIOGRAPHY

Role of IT & Computer in Environment

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