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Electronic waste (e-waste) generation is one of the major emerging problems of the modern era and requires consideration at the global, national and local levels. Moradabad, Uttar Pradesh, is one of the biggest hubs of e-waste recycling in India, where almost 50% of printed circuit boards (PCBs) waste of the country is being handled with the engagement of more than 50,000 people. Black ash of PCBs is overtly dumped after carrying out recycling processes in the vicinity. The dumping is affecting the aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems of the vicinity due to this black powder ash. Analysis of ewaste black ash sample was carried out for metal content using ICP-OES. A significant amount of lead, copper, barium, tin, aluminium, silica, etc. was found in the e-waste black powder, which indicates the potential utilization of e-waste black powder in many applications. Hence there is an immediate need of an environment-friendly technology for e-waste recycling and to safeguard the environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The north eastern region (NER) of India receives bountiful rains (>2000 mm) annually. However, there is extreme water scarcity during post- and premonsoon season (November-March). In such a situation, roof water harvesting (RWH) holds promise for multiple livelihood opportunities. RWH unit with polyfilm lined water collection tank of 37 m³ storage capacity (i.e. 5.5 × 4.5 × 1.5 m³) was demonstrated at 11 farmers fields mostly on hill tops in the Ri-Bhoi district (Meghalaya). The average demonstration area was 500 m²/farmer in the vicinity of homesteads (kitchen gardens). Volume of water harvested in a collection tank was about 53 m³ including about 16 m³ harvested during dry season due to seasonal replenishment. The cost of water harvesting was estimated at about Rs 144 and Rs 119/m³ considering lifespan of five and ten years respectively. Farmers used harvested water for diversified activities such as raising crops [maize, broccoli, French bean, laipatta (Brassica juncea), tomato, etc.] and livestock (pig or poultry) in addition to domestic use. The farmers without RWH could use land only during rainy season for crop cultivation. On an average, the net income from each RWH based model (500 m² demonstration area) was Rs 14,910 for crop + piggery and Rs 11,410 for crop + poultry farming which was 261 and 176% higher, respectively than the normal farmers' practice. Similarly, employment and water use efficiency enhanced by 221 and 586%; and 168 and 218% under crop + piggery and crop + poultry based farming respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present study, agroforestry was mapped in nine districts from Western Himalayan Region. The agroforestry area in these nine selected districts was estimated to be 332127.55 ha (12.4%). Salix alba, an important agroforestry species, accounted for about 12% of total agroforestry area in three districts of Kashmir valley. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study analysed frost heave lands in the cold arid Leh-Ladakh region of the Himalaya, India through semi-detail field survey and remote sensing. Most of these sites are highland grasslands occurring along the alluvial plains of rivers in the Leh and Nubra valleys. The study identified the occurrence of some unique frost heave patterns whose morphometry varied from simple, isolated to complex ones with elongated, coalesced and superimposed bedforms. These lands can be further subdivided into vegetated and degraded types. The degraded forms exhibited several cracks, dry, collapsed and slump structures. Invasion of Cirsium arvense over native grass species, soil salinity and feeding pressure by livestock have been identified as major land degradation factors. C. arvense has replaced the native vegetation on frost heaves and has allowed Carex species to grow, which is known to degrade and deplete the pasture ecology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We describe the diversified National Ambient Noise Monitoring Network (NANMN) set up across 7 major cities of India and covering 70 stations for continuous noise monitoring throughout the year. The annual average Lday (06-22 h) and Lnight (22-06 h) values observed in 2015 for these 70 locations are described. Of these, 25 locations are in commercial zones, 12 in industrial, 16 in residential and 17 in silence zones. Each city has 10 noise monitoring stations installed for analysing environmental noise pollution levels round the clock (24 × 365 h). The long-term noise monitoring shows that ambient noise levels are very high compared to the recommended standards for some sites and thus noise abatement measures are essentially required for controlling these levels. The present study is focused on evaluation, analysis and reporting of environmental noise pollution in seven major cities of India and is instrumental in planning for the noise abatement measures for controlling noise pollution in these cities. Such a noise monitoring network established in India is unique and one of the largest noise monitoring networks of its kind across the globe. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article examines the possible impact of changes in near-surface wind velocity on the environment and on the agricultural production system. It cites the different roles of near-surface wind in maintaining ecological processes. It also discusses the effects of reductions in wind velocity, including soil erosion prevention in arid regions.