Students and faculty of Kirori Mal College carry out an extensive study of the ecology in Shiwalik belt

Updated on: Tuesday, March 19, 2013

As part of the innovative research projects introduced by Delhi University, the students and faculty of Kirori Mal College have carried out an extensive study in the Shiwalik belt in Himachal Pradesh.

The Shiwalik belt in Himachal Pradesh has come up in a big way in industrial development, but is fragile ecologically and environmentally . As part of a project, the students and faculty of Kirori Mal College have carried out an extensive study 'Understanding the chemical metamorphosis caused due to industrial pollution in the Shiwalik region of the 'Himalayan Belt' as part of the innovative research projects introduced by Delhi University.

The study examines the environmental degradation caused by industrialisation in the region, explains Mamta Chhabra Sharma, associate professor, department of chemistry, Kirori Mal College. "Many industrialists from Punjab and Haryana want to establish industries in this zone because it has a dust-free environment. Since the availability of minerals is low, most of the raw material for the industries come from outside in heavy trucks causing pollution-from chemical , air to water pollution," she says.

As part of this project, a part of their field study was conducted in the Nahan district. Bio-diversity samples along with water and soil samples were collected from Nahan, Paonta Sahib, and Kala Amb. A research was conducted on the Ruchira Paper Mills in Kala Amb.

"This mill uses hay and the left over parts of sugarcane to make paper.The smoke and dust produced during the process has affected the surrounding area and deteriorated the water quality. Agriculture is also affected as there is a drastic change in the soil quality, which is decreasing . Earlier, people were able to stay outside their house during the day and do their normal activities, but now that has become difficult. Even washed clothes that are kept out for drying become dirty because of the dust. The local people view the level of sickness and the now common diseases like asthma and several respiratory problems as the outcome of the smoke and dust produced by the factory," says Sharma.

Students and faculty of Kirori Mal College carry out an extensive study of the ecology in Shiwalik belt

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