i. Use of Hormonal Method
The combined oral contraceptive (COC) are used in hormonal method. They are easily
available in the market and are used more. There should be use of 4 combined oral pills
as first dose within 72 hours of unprotected sexual intercourse. Then, 4 more pills should
be taken as 2nd dose within 12 hours of having the first dose.
These pills can have some side effects like vomiting, headache, nausea, discomfort in the body.
More than 50% females can feel nausea after 24 hours of consuming pills and many females
may vomit after using these pills. In case, of vomiting within 2 hours of taking first dose, 4
more pills should be taken. Females can use anti vomiting medicine to stop vomiting.
ii. Use of Progestin Pills
The pills containing progestin hormone
can be used as first dose within 72 hours of
unprotected sexual intercourse. The second
dose is taken after 12 hours of first dose. It is
98% effective. In the market, they are found
under the name Econ, I-pill, unwanted 72, etc.
Fig: 34 I-pill Unwanted 72
iii. Use of IUCD
An IUCD, copper T can be used within 5 days of
unprotected sexual intercourse. The use of copper
T destroys the environment for implantation of
fertilized zygote in the walls of uterus. The chance
of pregnancy after the use of copper T is only 0.1%.
It should be removed after menstruation. Fig: 35
Permanent Contraceptive Methods
The method in which the tubes that pass sperms in males and ovum in females are cut
and tied up is called as permanent contraceptive method. After applying this method,
people cannot bear children later on.
There are separate permanent contraceptive methods developed for males and females.
They are described below:
For males
Vasectomy Urinary Seminal
Vasectomy is the surgical bladder vesicle
procedure in which minor Prostate
incision is made in the scrotum, gland
vas deferens is pulled out, cut, Penis
clamped and tied up so as to stop Vas
deferens
transmission of sperms into other Urethra
parts of male reproductive system. Epididymis
It is the permanent contraceptive Scrotum Testis
method for males. Fig: 36 Vasectomy
GREEN Health, Population and Environment Education Book-10 51
Vasectomy takes simply (10 to 15) minutes and males can’t support in bearing children after
vasectomy. The testes produces sperms even after vasectomy. The sperms are transferred to
epididymis and then to vasdeferens. But sperms cannot transmit from the portion in which
vasdeference is cut and tied up. Hence, the sperms are again absorbed back by testes.
Characteristics of vasectomy
i. It is a minor operation which requires only 10 to 15 minutes.
ii. A person does not need to get admitted in hospital, can take rest for half an hour after
surgery and go to work or return home.
iii. It is permanent method and once it is done, males can’t help females in bearing
children again.
iv. It does not affect the health and satisfaction of sex.
v. Males need to use condom for initial few months after vasectomy.
vi. Males need to avoid riding vehicles, heavy works and make the stitches wet for
certain days after vasectomy.
vii. It is used for those who do not want any more children.
For Females
a. Minilap Ovaries
Minilap is the surgical procedure in
which minor operation is done on Uterus Fallopian
abdomen and the fallopian tubes are tubes
cut and tied up. It is the permanent
contraceptive method for females. It
should be done after 45 days of delivery
and within 8 days of menstruation.
Banded Cauterized Tied and cut
Characteristics of Minilap Fig: 37
i. Minilap should be done only after bearing sufficient number of children.
ii. Once, it is done, females cannot bear children again.
iii. It is a permanent contraceptive method.
iv. There is occurrence of menstruation after minilap.
b. Laparoscopy
Laparoscopy is the surgical procedure in which
operation is done in the abdomen and the fallopian
tubes are tied up so as to avoid fertilization
between sperm and ovum. It is the permanent
contraceptive method for females. It should be
performed after (30-40) days of delivery and
within (5-8) days of menstruation.
Fig: 38
52 GREEN Health, Population and Environment Education Book-10
Characteristics of laparoscopy
i. It does not affect in health and sexual satisfaction of people.
ii. It is the permanent contraceptive method.
iii. Females do not need to use any other contraceptive devices after the operation.
iv. It is useful for those who do not want to bear any more children.
Differences between Vasectomy and Minilap
Vasectomy Minilap
1. It is the permanent contraceptive 1. It is the permanent contraceptive
method for males. method for females.
2. The tube which carries sperms is cut 2. The tube which carries ovum is cut and
and tied up in this method. tied up in this method.
3. It can be performed in less period of time. 3. It takes more time than in vasectomy.
4. Males need to use condom for couple 4. Females should not use any other
of months after vasectomy. contraceptive devices after minilap.
5. It can be performed at any time for a 5. It needs to be performed after 45 days
healthy person. of delivery and within (5-8) days of
menstruation.
6. Males can take rest for half an hour 6. Females need to take rest for an hour
and return home after surgery. or more after surgery.
Differences between Minilap and Laparoscopy
Minilap Laparoscopy
1. It is the surgical procedure in which 1. It is the surgical procedure in which
fallopian tubes are cut and tied up. fallopian tubes are tied up.
2. It can be performed by any health care 2. It can be performed by specially
provider with basic surgical ability and trained surgeons and gynaecologists.
skills.
3. It requires health facility with basic 3. It requires health facility with
surgical equipments. comprehensive surgical capacity.
4. It requires few inexpensive surgical 4. It requires delicate and expensive
equipments. endoscopic equipments.
5. Post operative abdominal pain may occur 5. Post operative abdominal pain is
in this method. slight in this method.
6. Recovery time is longer than in laparoscopy. 6. Recovery time is shorter than in
minilap.
7. The procedure takes less time. 7. The procedure takes more time.
8. The complications are slightly high in 8. There are less complications in this
this method. method.
9. Small incision is made in this method. 9. Larger incisions are made in this
method.
GREEN Health, Population and Environment Education Book-10 53
Activity: 5
Prepare a project work on contraceptive methods based on the following topics:
i. Introduction ii. Types iii. Use of devices
iv. Advantages and disadvantages v. Conclusion
Summary
1. Demography is the scientific, mathematical and statistical study of population in
relation to population size, structure, density, distribution, composition, etc.
2. Population is dynamic in nature. It keeps on changing time and again. It never remains
constant. Birth, death and migration are actually responsible for change of population.
3. Those elements which are responsible for change of population in a place are called
as demographic components.
4. Imigration (internal migration) and immigration (international migration
increase the population whereas out migration (internal migration) and
emigration(international migration) decrease the population of a place.
5. The performance of demographic components is called demographic processes.
Fertility, mortality and migration are demographic processes.
6. The mathematical representation of demographic components is called demographic
measurement. It is presented in rates and ratios.
7. Fertility is the actual birth performance of a female or total children given birth by
female during the reproductive period.
8. Fecundity is the capability of male and female to take part in reproduction. It is the biological
and physiological potentiality to bear children. It is related to both male and female.
9. The total live births taken place among 1000 mid year population in a certain place
in a year is called as crude birth rate (CBR).
10. The total live births given by 1000 women of child bearing period (15-49) years in a
place in a year is called as general fertility rate.
11. Total live births given by 1000 women of a specific age group in child bearing period
in a place in a year is called as age specific fertility rate (ASFR).
12. Total fertility rate is an index of child bearing performance of a woman in child
bearing period. It can simply be said as the average children given birth by a
woman/female during her child bearing period in a place.
13. The total deaths among 1000 mid year population in a place in a year is called as
crude death rate.
14. The total deaths of specific age group of people in 1000 mid year population of the
same age group of people in a place in a year is called as age specific death rate.
15. Total deaths of infants in 1000 live births in a place in a year is called as infant
mortality rate.
16. Maternal mortality rate is defined as total deaths of mothers in 100000 live births in
a place in a year especially due to problems related to reproduction and pregnancy.
17. Migration is the movement of people from one place to another either permanently
or temporarily due to various reasons.
54 GREEN Health, Population and Environment Education Book-10
18. Those factors which attract people to come to live in a particular place are called
pull factor.
19. Those factor which force people to leave a place and migrate to other places are
called push factors.
20. The total number of out migrants in 1000 mid year population in a place in a year is
called as out migration rate.
21. The difference between number of in-migrants and out migrants in 1000 mid year
population in a place in a year is called as net migration rate.
22. The sum of in-migrants and out-migrants in a place in a year is called as gross
migration rate.
23. Population doubling time can be defined as the time period required to double the
population if the annual population growth rate remains constant in the future as
well.
24. Dependency ratio can be defined as total number of dependent population in 100
independent population.
25. When the annual population growth rate is more that 2.1 % and total fertility rate
(TFR) of women is 2.1 per woman, it is regarded as rapid increase of population.
26. Deforestation leads towards the destruction or limitation of shelter place of wildlife,
rareness of wildlife, scarcity of underground water, lack of fresh air, occurrence
of natural calamities like flood, landslide, soil erosion as well as imbalance in
ecosystem and environment.
27. The population should be managed and the size of population should be maintained
based on available resources in the environment. Population management is the
process of making balance in the distribution of population so that the available
resources in environment can be effectively utilized.
28. People must treat son and daughter equally. Both of them should be provided with
equal opportunities in education, health, nutrition, training, etc.
29. Getting married only after physical and socio-economic empowerment is regarded
as marriage at appropriate age. It is better to get married at the appropriate age, i.e.
25-30 years for both males and females.
30. By adopting various contraceptive methods and using contraceptive devices,
people can ensure small family and remain happy in the family life.
31. Condom is temporary contraceptive device developed for males to avoid conception.
It is cylindrical in shape whose one end is open and another end is closed.
32. Those devices which are kept inside the uterus of females are called as Intra Uterine
Contraceptive Devices.
33. The method adopted in unprotected sexual relationship so as to avoid fertilization
between sperm and ovum is called as emergency contraceptive method.
34. The method in which the tubes that pass sperms in males and ovum in females are
cut and tied up is called as permanent contraceptive method.
35. Laparoscopy is the surgical procedure in which operation is done in the abdomen
and the fallopian tubes are tied up so as to avoid fertilization between sperm and
ovum.
GREEN Health, Population and Environment Education Book-10 55
Exercise
A. Write very short answer to the following questions:
1. Define demography.
2. Who coined the term demography first?
3. Who is regarded as the ‘father of demography’?
4. What are the components of demography?
5. Define fertility and fecundity.
6. What does CBR as 32. 7 per 1000 mean?
7. How can we calculate mid year population?
8. What does ASFR as 392.4 per 1000 mean?
9. What does NMR as – 5. 18 per 1000 mean?
10. Define dependency ratio.
11. Which age groups of people are regarded as active and inactive population?
12. What does dependency ratio as 94.16% mean?
13. When will the population of a country get doubled if annual population growth
rate is 1.39%?
14. How much energy is required by Nepalese daily?
14. Name any two water borne diseases.
15. How do oral pills work?
16. How long does norplant work?
17. How many capsules are present in norplant?
19. What are IUCDs?
20. What is emergency contraceptive method?
21. Mention any two examples of emergency contraceptive devices.
22. Mention any two advantages of foam tablet.
23. What is condom made of?
24. Which tube is cut and tied in vasectomy?
B. Write short answer to the following questions:
1. Differentiate between fertility and fecundity.
2. What is CBR? Write its advantages and disadvantage.
3. What is death? Explain briefly about the measurement of mortality.
4. What is migration? What are pull and push factors?
5. How can we measure migration? Write with their formulae.
6. What is sex ratio? Write the advantages of sex ratio.
7. How does population growth affect health services?
8. “Quality education decreases with the increase of population growth.” Justify
this statement.
9. How does population growth affect housing and clothing?
10. What is population management? How does gender equality help to reduce
56 GREEN Health, Population and Environment Education Book-10
population growth?
11. What is natural contraceptive method? Explain briefly about its types.
12. What is depoprovera injection? Explain briefly about its advantages and
disadvantages.
13. In what conditions should people apply emergency contraceptive method?
14. What is vasectomy? Draw a well labeled diagram of vasectomy.
15. What is minilap? Draw a well labelled diagram of minilap.
16. Differentiate between:
i. Vasectomy and minilap
ii. Minilap and laparoscopy
iii. Natural contraceptive method and artificial contraceptive method
iv. Condom and femidom
v. Temporary contraceptive method and permanent contraceptive method
17. Which contraceptive method do you like to practice? Put your arguments
logically.
18. Draw a chart which shows contraceptive methods and devices.
19 What are the methods applied during emergency contraceptive method?
C. Write long answer to the following questions:
1. How does rapid population growth affect cultural heritages and employment?
Explain.
2. How are drinking water and food affected by rapid population growth? Describe.
3. How does population growth affect land and water?
4. How does population growth lead to degradation of environment?
5. What are indirect measures to control population? Explain briefly.
D. Numerical problems:
1. In 2068 B.S., the total population of a country was 292 84504 and the annual
growth rate was 1.62%. Calculate how many years it will take to double the
population of that country.
2. If a place has 35 crude birth rate, 6 crude death rate and 3 migration rate, then
find out the population growth rate and population doubling time.
3. The population of a city was 350000 in the beginning of the year and at the end,
it reached 375000. About 2200 died and 1500 people immigrated where as 1000
people migrated out. Now, calculate CDR, NMR and GMR of that city.
4. If the crude birth rate (CBR) and Rate of Natural Increase (RNI) of Nepal were
9.2 per 1000 and 2.35% respectively in 2001 A.D., what would be crude death rate
(CDR) of Nepal in that year?
5. If crude death rate (CDR) and Rate of Natural Increase (RNI) of Nepal wer 8.2 per
1000 and 1.25% respectively in 2005 A.D., what would be crude birth rate (CBR)
of Nepal in that year?
GREEN Health, Population and Environment Education Book-10 57
Population,
unit
3 Environment and
Development
Estimated Teaching Periods: 14
Learning Outcomes
Learning Objectives
After completing the study of this unit, students will be able to:
i. introduce population, environment and development activities.
ii. describe regional balance in development.
iii. introduce sustainable development and explain its importance.
iv. state objectives and describe the principles of sustainable development.
Course Outline
3.1 Population, environment and development activities
3.2 Regional balance in development
3.3 Sustainable development
Glossary
sustainable : able to last or continue for a long time, able to be used without being
completely used up or destroyed
technology : the use of science in industry, engineering, etc. to invent useful things or to
solve problems
poverty : the state of one who lacks a usual or socially acceptable amount of money
or material possessions
exploit : to use (someone or something) in a way that helps you unfairly
alternative : different from the usual or conventional
heritage : the traditions, achievements, beliefs, etc. that are part of the history of a
group or nation
monument : a building, statue, etc. that honors a person or event
civilization : the condition that exists when people have developed effective ways of
organizing a society and care about art, science, etc.
58 GREEN Health, Population and Environment Education Book-10
3.1 Population, Environment and Development Activities
t
The total number of people living in a particular place at a time is called population.
Environment is the surrounding around us. Environment consists of biotic and abiotic
components which are most essential for the proper growth, development and survival
of people. People need various types of facilities like health, education, transportation,
communication, electricity, etc. to make their life easier, comfortable, faster and improve
the living standard. People get all of them from various development activities. People
develop infrastructures and facilities by utilizing various components in environment.
When people conduct development works in a sustainable way, environment can
be conserved and people can have several benefits in future. Actually, people need
development activities. Development activities require resource in environment
and environment needs people to conserve it. Hence, population, environment and
development activities are inter-related and inter dependent on one another. Various
things are related with population, environment and development activities which are
shown in the following chart.
Environment
Agriculture Health Housing Industry
Population and
Environment Communication development Education Environment
Human Resource Technology Culture Employment
Fig: 1 Environment
The above picture depicts inter-relationship between population, environment and
development. Agriculture, health, security, housing, industry, education, communication,
technology, human resource, culture, employment are inter-related with population,
environment and development activities. They are described below:
Agriculture
Nepal is an agricultural country. Majority of people are involved in agriculture profession.
About two thirds of employment are directly and indirectly linked with agriculture
sector. However, agriculture is not yet modernized and professional. People involved
in agriculture are still adopting traditional methods of farming. They have lack of
modern equipments and technologies, lack of seeds, lack of store house, markets, lack of
awareness generation, untimely and inadequate distribution of chemical fertlizers. Due
to all of them, the food production is less. Whatever food is produced that doesn’t get
market and is destroyed due to lack of store house. Hence, the country has to import large
amount of food from abroad. Similarly, due to lack of awareness on scientific farming,
people randomly and excessively utilize chemical fertilizers on land which leads towards
decrease of soil fertility, food production and increase of land pollution. This ultimately
GREEN Health, Population and Environment Education Book-10 59
affects environment and people themselves. It is most essential to adopt scientific farming,
modern tools and technologies for balance in environment and overall benefits to people.
Fig: 2
Farmer working in field Farmer working with modern
equipments
Industry
Industrial development is very important for the
economic development of individuals and entire
nation. It has both positive and negative impacts
on people and environment. It increases production
of useful goods and services, creates employment,
utilizes the resources and reduces poverty as well
as dependency on agriculture for sustenance of life.
Moreover, it extends the import and export in the
nation. But, random establishment of industries Fig: 3
leads towards over utilization of resources,
environmental pollution, spreading of several diseases, acid rainfall, global warming and
so on. These all have severe impact on people and entire environment. Hence, it is most
essential to manage industrial development in an eco-friendly way.
Activity
Visit your locality and discuss with the farmers regarding the way of farming, challenges
faced, environmental problems. Make a note on them and present in your class.
Health
Health is the basic right of every individual. Everyone should become healthy and free
from diseases. Actually the environment where people live can affect the health of people.
Hence, people need to maintain personal hygiene, cleanliness, sanitation, drinking water,
proper and management of wastes to be healthy. When people are healthy, they can easily
support in conducting various development works. Without healthy manpower, there
cannot be overall development of nation.
Social Security
Any government system that provides monetary assistance to people with an inadequate
or no income is called social security. It is most essential that the government should adopt
60 GREEN Health, Population and Environment Education Book-10
inclusiveness policy. The marginalized, backward
and disadvantaged people have less opportunities
for sustenance of life. Majority of them are poor.
The poverty leads towards random exploitation of
resources like forest, water, soil, etc. in environment.
There is high chance of environment degradation with
the increase of poverty. When there is social security
for the poor people, they are less likely to destroy Fig: 4
environment and resources. Hence, there can be
balance among people and environment with social security.
Housing
Housing is one of the important basic needs of people.
People need to have better housing with required
facilities. People themselves or the government needs
to plan for better housing. Better housing supports
in management of ventilation, solid waste,drainage,
sanitation, drinking water and so on. This ultimately
ensures better health of people. When housing is not
planned, there is increase of pollution, spreading Fig: 5
of diseases which ultimately affects health and
environment.
Education
Education is also equally important in our life.
Everyone should be educated. Education helps in
the production of human resource required for the
development of nation. Moreover, educated people
have knowledge on practice of healthy rules and
behaviors, ways to control population, sustainable
use of resources. The educated people can support in Fig: 6
conservation of resources in environment as well as
effective planning for the conduction of development activities.
Communication
With the development in science and technology,
there is vast change in communication services.
New inventions and technologies are developed in
communication sector. As a result, the world has
become like a village nowadays. With the development
of the internet, people can talk with other people and
get information about many things with a click in
laptop, computer or mobile phone. Communication Fig: 7
services should be widely utilized for economic
development and overall development of entire nation. By means of communication
GREEN Health, Population and Environment Education Book-10 61
services, generally, people get knowledge and ideas on population management,
cleanliness, family planning, conservation of environment etc. It is expected that there
can be balance in population, environment and development by means of communication
services.
Human Resource
The skilled and semi skilled manpower who are
actively involved in certain employment activities are
called human resource. Human resource development
is most essential for the social and economic
development of any nation. Without sufficient human
resource, the nation can not develop in any sector. It
has been observed that the developed nations in the Fig: 8
world are advanced due to more emphasis given
for human resource development. Hence, the country should focus on production of
human resource who can support in controlling population, develop infrastructure, use
the resources in sustainable way and maintain balance in population, environment and
development.
Employment
Employment is getting involved in some income
generating activities. People must have employment.
People can have employment opportunities in
industries, factories, commercial sector, agricultural
sector, government services, private sectors, etc. With
the employment opportunities, people get chances
to utilize their knowledge, skills and sharpen their Fig: 9
expertise. But, in our country, there is less establishment
of industries, factories and other commercial sectors. Even, people say they have unseen
unemployment in agriculture sector. Hence, there is huge migration of youths abroad
as foreign employment. They have to face a lot more challenges in abroad. It is most
essential that the government should generate employment opportunities in various
sectors. Creation of job opportunities supports in population management on the one
hand and on the other hand, there is proper utilization of resources which ultimately
enhance economic development in the country.
Activity: 1
Every year thousands of young people migrate abroad as foreign employment. It is said
that it is seriously affecting the overall development of Nepal. Make groups in your
class and discuss about it. Later on, present in your class.
62 GREEN Health, Population and Environment Education Book-10
3.2 Regional Balance in Development
Development includes increase of infrastructures availability of facilities, creation of job
opportunities, improvement of living standard. Actually, development activities should
be conducted in all the parts of nation in a balanced way. The minimum requirement
of basic needs of people should be fulfilled in the local level. But, Nepal has a lot more
geographical diversities and development activities are not equally conducted in all
parts of Nepal. Different regions are not equally developed. Kathmandu valley and some
other cities in Nepal are more developed than other parts of Nepal. The mid western
development region and far western development region are quite backward. The entire
karnali region is backward. The facilities like health, education, security, transportation,
communication, employment, etc. are more centered on major cities including Kathmandu
valley. Hence, it is most essential to have regional balance.
Regional balance implies uniform distribution pattern of the planned investment among
different regions of a country.
Table: Human Development Index, 2011 of different regions
Regions Human Development Index
Eastern and Main Himalaya 0.475
Eastern and Middle Hills (Except 0.490
Kathmandu Valley)
Eastern and Middle Terai 0.463
Kathmandu Valley 0.622
Western Hills 0.511
Western Terai 0.480
Western, Mid-western and Far-western 0.398
Mountains
Mid-western and Far-western Hills 0.423
Mid-western and Far-western Terai 0.472
Source: Human Development Report, 2011
In the above table, we can observe the human development index of different regions in
Nepal. There are differences in human development index of different regions in Nepal.
The differences in human development index denotes that development activities are not
developed equally in all the regions in Nepal. The required facilities are not equally distributed
in all the places. Hence, many regions have quite less human development index.
Recently, Nepal has been divided into seven different states. There will be separate
government in those states. There will be decentralization of activities through those states.
They are given responsibilities for the betterment of their states so that the nation can be
developed. When the state governments start to work, they will conduct development
works proportionately in a balanced way. As a result, the required facilities like health,
GREEN Health, Population and Environment Education Book-10 63
education, drinking water, sanitation, transportation, communication, employment
opportunities, agricultural development will be available at the local level. With the
availability of such facilities, living standard of people will be gradually improved.
The government should give priority for the backward regions. They need to be provided
with more means, resource and technologies. There should be conduction of various
activities for socio-economic development of backward regions. Along with government
investment, private sectors as well should be motivated to increase investment for
infrastructural development. The available local resources should be explored as much as
possible. There must be expansion of employment opportunities with the establishment
of industries. Moreover, there must be political dialogue and consensus among major
political parties for the strategic development of entire region.
Activity: 2
Discuss in a group regarding the ways for regional balance and present in your class.
Provide some suggestions for the solution of imbalanced development
3.3 Sustainable Development
Development activities help us to provide
various facilities like health services, education,
transportation etc. That’s why development
activities need to be conducted. There is massive
utilization of resources while conducting
development activities. Several impacts are
seen in environment due to random conduction
of development activities. But we cannot stop
development works. Random utilization of
resources destroys environment. So, the concept
of sustainable development should be adopted.
The concept of sustainable development was
introduced first in Brundtland Commission in Fig: 10
Norway in 1987 A.D. The commission was led by
Prime Minister of Norway at that time, Mrs. Gro Harlem Brundtland. In order to honor
her, the commission was named as ‘Brundtland Commission’. It is also called as the
commission on environment and development. That commission later on published a
report, “Our Common Future.”
According to Brundtland commission in 1987 A.D., sustainable development can be
defined as, “A process in which the exploitation of resources, direction of investment,
orientation of technological development and institutional change meet the needs of
present generation without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their
needs.”
Various resources are used to conduct development activities. There is also need of budget,
64 GREEN Health, Population and Environment Education Book-10
investment and technologies. Sustainable development is the development activity which
provides benefits to present generation as well as it has aim to benefit future generation.
Sustainable development is also called as bearable or durable development. The main
aim of sustainable development is to make balance among population, environment and
development works. It even helps to improve the living standard of people.
Sustainable development involves various activities like proper use of resources,
development of agriculture sector, scientific farming, protection and conservation
of natural resources, promotion of tourism development, effective use of chemical
fertilizers, construction of water pipes, promotion of sanitation, health services, education,
development of energy-efficient technologies, use of alternative sources of energy and so
on.
In the context of Nepal, concept of sustainable development was introduced in late 90’s.
Only in 1997 A.D., there was implementation of concept of sustainable development under
SCDP (Sustainable Community Development Progamme) in two districts: Surkhet and
Kailali. It was successful there. Next year, in 1998 A.D., it was implemented in Dang. In
2000 A.D. it was implemented in three other districts, Okhaldhunga, Myagdi and Humla.
There was introduction of community forest programme, animal farming, funding for
water supply pipes, exchange of roofs in school, development of energy efficient stoves,
etc. under sustainable development programme.
Objectives of Sustainable Development
The main aim of sustainable development is to use the resources in a sustainable way
and conserve them for the future as well as for the welfare of human kind. It has several
objectives. Some of them are as follows:
a. Use of natural resources in a sustainable way.
b. Fulfill the needs of human beings.
c. Conservation of environment
d. Conservation and preservation of wildlife.
e. Achieve social welfare and justice.
f. Conservation of cultural heritage.
g. Increase high economic growth rate.
h. Enhance self dependency and public participation.
i. Reduce poverty.
j. Protect the existence of human life.
importance of Sustainable Development
Sustainable development helps in welfare of people. While conducting development
works, priority should be given to sustainable development works. There should not
be over utilization of resources in environment. Instead, the negative impacts caused
by development works should be minimized as much as possible. Hence, the concept
GREEN Health, Population and Environment Education Book-10 65
of sustainable development is most essential during the conduction of development
activities. Some of the importances of sustainable development works are as follows:
a. Proper use of resources
b. Feeling of responsibility
c. Development of basic aspect
d. Development based on public participation
e. Determination of limit of development works
f. Long term vision
a. Proper Use of Resources
During the conduction of development works, various resources like water, soil, minerals,
forests are utilized. The concept of sustainable development awares people to utilize the
resources together with their conservation. It emphasizes on the development of new
technologies that consume less energy. Moreover, the concept of sustainable development
awares that the resources should be utilized in a limited way during the conduction of
development works.
b. Feeling of Responsibility
Various resources like forest, water, soil, mineral, etc. are massively utilized during the
conduction of development works. Sustainable development provides us knowlege
and skills for sustainable use of resources. It makes people realize that the resources in
environment are our common property and it is the responsibility of every individual to
conserve all those resources. Moreover, it awares people that resources in environment
should not be used with the will of an individual alone, they need to be utilized for overall
benefit of people.
c. Development of Basic Aspect
Health services, education, transportation, communication, sanitation, drinking water,
entertainment, etc. are prime needs of our life. Sustainable development activities help in
the availability of all those needs by which there can be improvement of living standard
of people.
d. Development Based on Public Participation
Development activities are conducted for the benefits of people themselves. Hence, there
should be active participation of people during the conduction of development works.
The concept of sustainable development generates awareness and interests on people that
development activities are conducted for the local benefits. As a result, there is increase in
public participation automatically for the developmental works. Apart from that, people
take interest in sustainable use of resources and their conservation as well.
66 GREEN Health, Population and Environment Education Book-10
Fig: 11
Cleaning Bagmati Cleaning water resources
e. Determination of Limit of Development Works
Earth is our common home land. It has limited carrying capacity. Any development
activities should not be conducted haphazardly beyond the carrying capacity of Earth.
People tend to use resources excessively for their benefits. Actually, the non-renewable
natural resources should be used in a limited way. The application of concept of
sustainable development motivates people to utilize the resources properly and conduct
the development works in a sustainable way. It also awares planners to conduct
development works only to limited extent.
f. Long Term Vision
Sustainable development has put forward the objective of social and economic development
without depleting the resources in environment. The resources in environment are our
common property. Sustainable development makes an effort to develop the concept of
maintaining present day work for future use. While conducting development works, the
resource must not be depleted for future use. Hence, sustainable development conserves the
resources in environment by creating long term feelings towards the development works.
Principles of Sustainable Development
Some of the principles of sustainable development are as follows:
a. Conservation of ecosystem b. Sustainable development of society
c. Conservation of biodiversity d. Population control
e. Development of human resource f. Increase of public participation
g. Conservation of cultural heritages h. Limit of carrying capacity of Earth
a. Conservation of ecosystem
The main focus of sustainable development is to take
care of the earth and resources present in the earth.
So, the resources like water, soil, mineral, forest,
wildlife, etc. should be utilized in a proper way.
Apart from that, various ecosystems like forest, lake,
river, grassland, watershed, wetland, etc. present in
mountain, hilly and terai region should be conserved.
Fig: 12
GREEN Health, Population and Environment Education Book-10 67
b. Sustainable Development of Society
People live in society. People need various types of facilities like health services, education,
transportation, communication, drinking water, electricity, sanitation, employment, etc.
in the society. Sustainable development focuses on conduction of development activities
which provide all those facilities. With the availability of all those facilities, people can
bring change in their attitudes, thinkings and behaviors in their life. Ultimately, they can
unite for the overall development of society.
c. Conservation of Biodiversity
All the living beings either small or big; they are
integral part of environment. The depletion of any
one of them makes imbalance in environment. So,
it is necessary to conserve all types of living beings
on the earth. People need to develop several ways
of conservation of resources in environment. There
should be collective effort made by local, national and
international organizations along with the individuals
for the conservation of biodiversity.
Fig: 13
d. Control of Population
People utilize various resources in environment for their proper growth, development
and survival. There is random utilization of resources in environment due to population
growth. However, the resources cannot be increased in quantity with the increased need
of population. Hence, the concept of sustainable development generates public awareness
for the control of population so as to make balance in environment.
e. Development of Human Resource
The concept of sustainable development desires to
increase public participation for the conservation of
resource in environment. Actually, knowledge and
skills are required for the protection of resources in
environment. Hence, there should be production of
skilled manpower having knowledge and skills on
biodiversity, conservation of resources, caring of the
earth, etc. to implement the principles of sustainable
development. Fig: 14
f. Increase of Public Participation
Development activities are conducted for the benefits and welfare of people. The objective
of sustainable development can not be achieved without involvement of people. The
development activities are not fruitful without involvement of people. Hence, there
should be increase of public participation in the application of sustainable development.
Increase in public participation generates awareness and interest on people and makes
them realize that development activities are conducted for their own benefits. As a result,
people can be committed to achieve the goal of sustainable development.
68 GREEN Health, Population and Environment Education Book-10
g. Conservation of Cultural Heritages
There is diversity in cultural heritages. The languages,
art, literature, culture, tradition, temples, monuments,
idols, social norms and values, etc. are unique features
and valuable properties of the nation. They are the
symbol of civilization for future generation. The
modern tools, equipments and technologies are based
on traditional knowledge, skills on cultural heritage.
Sustainable development focuses on the conservation Fig: 15
of cultural heritages. Cultural heritages support in promotion of tourism development
and economic development of people. Concept of preserving such cultural heritages
contributes in implementation of principles of sustainable development.
h. Limit of Carrying Capacity of The Earth
Earth has limited carrying capacity. There has been massive and random utilization
of resources during the conduction of development works. As a result, the state of
resources and ecosystems is seriously affected which has created many problems in the
environment. These effects have negative impacts for the consumption of resources in
future generation. The concept of sustainable development makes people aware about
limited carrying capacity of the earth and encourages people to conduct the development
works in a sustainable way.
Activity: 3
Visit your locality and observe the development activities conducted there. List out the
impacts of such development works in environment and population. Prepare a project
work and present in your class.
Activity: 4
Observe various human activities in your surrounding. List them out in your copy.
Present logics in your class regarding those activities as sustainable development works
or unsustainable development works.
Summary
1. The total number of people living in a particular place at a time is called population.
2. Population, environment and development activities are inter-related and inter
dependent on one another.
3. Agriculture, health, security, housing, industry, education, communication,
technology, human resource, culture, employment are inter-related with population,
environment and development activities.
4. It is most essential to adopt scientific farming, modern tools and technologies for
balance in environment and overall benefits to people.
5. Any government system that provides monetary assistance to people with an
inadequate or no income is called social security.
GREEN Health, Population and Environment Education Book-10 69
6. Better housing supports in management of ventilation, solid waste,drainage,
sanitation, drinking water and so on. This untimely ensures better health of people.
7. The facilities like health, education, security, transportation, communication,
employment, etc. are more centered in major cities including Kathmandu valley.
8. The differences in human development index denotes that development activities are
not carried out equally in all the regions in Nepal. The required facilities are not equally
distributed/available in all the places. Hence, many regions have quite less human
development index.
9. The concept of sustainable development was introduced first in Brundtland and
Commission in Norway in 1987 A.D.
10. According to Brundtland commission in 1987 A.D., sustainable development can be
defined as, “A process in which the exploitation of resources, direction of investment,
orientation of technological development and institutional change meet the needs
of present generation without compromising the ability of future generations to
meet their needs.”
11. Sustainable development is the development activity which provides benefits to
present generation as well as it has aim to benefit future generation.
12. The main aim of sustainable development is to make balance among population,
environment and development works. It even helps to improve the living standard
of people.
13. Sustainable development helps in welfare of people. While conducting development
works, priority should be given to sustainable development works.
14. The concept of sustainable development awares people to utilize the resources
together with their conservation. It emphasizes on the development of new
technologies that consume less energy.
15. The concept of sustainable development generates awareness and interests on
people that development activities are conducted for the local benefits. As a result,
there is increase of public participation automatically for the developmental works.
16. The application of concept of sustainable development motivates people to utilize
the resources properly and conduct the development works in a sustainable way.
17. The main aim of sustainable development is to use the resources in a sustainable
way and conserve them for the future as well as for the welfare of human kind.
18. There should be increase of public participation in the application of sustainable
development. Increase in public participation generates awareness and interest on
people and makes them realize that development activities are conducted for their
own benefits.
70 GREEN Health, Population and Environment Education Book-10
Exercise
A. Write very short answer to the following questions:
1. Define regional balance.
2. What is the HDI value of Kathmandu valley according to 2011 A.D. HDI report?
3. Which region has the least HDI value in Nepal according to 2011 A.D. HDI report?
4. Define sustainable development.
5. When and where was the concept of sustainable development introduced first in
the world?
6. In which commission the concept of sustainable development was introduced?
7. What is Brudtland commission called as?
8. Which report was published in Brundtland commission?
9. Mention any two examples of sustainable development.
10. Write any two principles of sustainable development.
11. What is the main aim of sustainable development?
B. Write short answer to the following questions:
1. How is agriculture related with population, environment and development?
2. How are security and housing related with population environment and
development?
3. Why are some regions quite backward in Nepal?
4. Write a short note on regional balance in Nepal.
5. Why should population be controlled for sustainable development?
6. Why should carrying capacity of the earth be considered for sustainable
development?
7. “Sustainable development acts as bridge between present and future generation.”
Justify this statement.
8. List out the objectives of sustainable development.
9. Enlist the importance of sustainable development.
C. Write long answer to the following questions:
1. Show the relationship between population, environment and development
works.
2. Explain briefly about the importance of sustainable development.
3. Why should we conduct sustainable development?
4. Explain briefly about the principles of sustainable development.
5. If you are a mayor of your locality, how will you implement the principles of
sustainable development for the overall development of your locality? Present
your logics.
GREEN Health, Population and Environment Education Book-10 71
unit Population and
4 Environmental Status of
Nepal
Estimated Teaching Periods: 18
Learning Outcomes
Learning Objectives
After completing the study of this unit, students will be able to:
i. explain population distribution by ecological region.
ii. describe the concept of ecosystem.
iii. describe the effects on environment due to various geographical regions.
iv. explain management and conservation of environment.
Course Outline
4.1 Population distribution by geographical region
4.2 Ecosystem and environment
4.3 Ecosystem by geographical regions and effects on environment status
4.4 Management and conservation of environment
Glossary
ecology : a science that deals with the relationship between groups of living things
and their environment
geographical : of or relating to geography, belonging to or characteristics of a particular
region
enumerate : to name (things) one after another in a list
epidemic : affecting or tending to affect a disproportionately large number of
individuals within a population, community, or region at the same time
moderate : average in size or amount
livestock : farm animals (such as cows, horses and pigs) that are kept, raised and
used by people
erosion : the gradual destruction of something by natural forces (such as water,
wind or ice)
horticulture : the science and art of growing fruits, vegetables, flowers or ornamental
plants
72 GREEN Health, Population and Environment Education Book-10
4. 1 Population Distribution by Geographical Region
There is unequal distribution of population in different geographical regions in Nepal.
Terai region has the highest population distribution where as mountain region has the
least population distribution. The following table shows the population distribution by
geographical regions in Nepal.
Table: Population Distribution by Geographical Regions
Area Census Year
Geographical 2001 A.D. or 2058 B. S. 2011 A.D. or 2068 B.S.
Regions Sq. %
km . Population Population
Population Population
% %
Mountain 51817 35 1687859 7.3 1781792 6.73
Region
Hilly Region 61345 42 10251111 44.3 11394007 43.0
Terai Region 34019 23 11212453 48.4 13318705 50.27
Source: CBS 2001 and 2011 A.D.
In the above table, we can see that mountain region covers 35% of total area of Nepal. The
population of mountain region decreased to 6.7% in 2011 A.D. from 7.3% in 2001 A.D. Hilly
region covers 42% of total area of Nepal and population decreased slightly in 2011 A.D.
than that of 2001 A.D. Terai region covers only 23% of total area of Nepal. But more than
50% of total population live in terai region. There is gradual increase of population in terai
region because people from mountain and hilly region have migrated to terai region.
In Nepal, the population is not equally distributed in all the geographical regions. There
are several reasons behind it. Some of them are described as follows:
a. Land topography
Mountain region lies in the northern part of Nepal where there is presence of mountains,
rocky areas, steep slopes. Hilly region lies in the middle part of Nepal which consists
of hills, hillocks and slopy areas. Terai region lies in the southern part of Nepal which
consists of plain and flat land. Life is quite easier and comfortable in terai region than
in mountain and hilly region. Hence, people from other regions like to migrate to terai
region which has resulted into high population there.
GREEN Health, Population and Environment Education Book-10 73
Mountain Region
Hilly Region
Terai Region
Fig: 1
b. Climate
The climatic condition of a place affects distribution of population. Generally, people like
to live in the places having favorable climate. Mountain region has extremely cold climate.
Hilly region has moderate climate where as terai region has hot and humid climate. Life
is very hard in mountain region. Hence people do not like to live in mountain region and
migrate to other regions. This causes decrease of population in mountain region.
c. Cultivable land
Mountain region contains 2% cultivable land. Hilly region contains 10 % cultivable land
and terai region contains 17 % cultivable land. People like to live in such place which
has more cultivable land. People can grow various types of food and cash crops in terai
region to sustain their life than in mountain and hilly region. Hence, people from hilly
and mountain region migrate to terai region in search of cultivable land.
d. Availability of facilities
People like to make their life easier, more
comfortable and improve their living standard.
That is possible only when people get required
facilities in the place where they live. Terai region
has got several facilities like health services,
education, transportation, communication,
security, entertainment, sanitation, electricity, etc.
than in mountain and hilly region. Hence, people Fig: 2
from other regions are attracted towards terai
region for various facilities. Similarly, some of the urban areas contain many facilities in
Nepal. Thus, people from rural areas migrate to urban areas in search of facilities.
74 GREEN Health, Population and Environment Education Book-10
e. Availability of employment opportunities
People expect to have happiness, satisfaction, peace
and prosperity in life. All of them can be achieved
when people have better jobs and better income. There
is more establishment of industries and development
of commercial sectors more in terai region than in
hilly and mountain region. People get more job
opportunities in industries and commercial sectors in
terai region. Hence, people from other regions migrate Fig: 3
to terai region in serach of employment opportunities.
f. Political instability
During Maoist insurgency period in Nepal in the decade of 2050 B.S., there was no security
of people and their family members in mountain and hilly region. Hence, more and more
people were forced to migrate to different parts of Nepal especially in Kathmandu valley,
urban areas, district headquarters and terai region. Even after the solution of Maoist
problem, people who migrated from their places did not return to their original places.
As a result, there is unequal distribution of population in different parts of Nepal.
4.2 Ecosystem and Environment
Environment includes physical, biological and socio-cultural aspects which are related to
our life. There is presence of physical aspects like soil, water, air, minerals in environment.
They are also called abiotic components of environment. Similarly, there is presence of
biological aspects like plants, animals, birds, insects, etc. in environment. They are also
called biotic components of environment. There is deep inter-relationship between all
of them. Apart from that, certain natural cycles like food chain, water cycle, gaseous
cycle, change of seasons, regulation of temperature, recycling process, etc. take place
continuously and automatically in the earth. These all maintain balance in environment.
Ecosystem is the structural and functional unit in which there is inter-relationship between
biotic and abiotic components of environment. It is self-running and self-sustaining part
of environment.
Geographically, Nepal is divided into 3 regions. They are mountain, hilly and terai
region. These regions have diversity in physical structure, climate, temperature, plants,
animals, birds, insects, etc. Mountain region has very difficult land topography and
very cold climate. Hilly region has hills, slopy areas and moderate climate whereas terai
region has plain land, hot and humid climate. Due to these diversity, there is presence of
various types of ecosystems in all those regions. The diversity in all those regions affects
the structure and function of ecosystems. All the living beings including human beings
operate according to the existing ecosystem in the surrounding. Due to difference in
ecosystems, there is diversity in presence of living beings, their situations, behaviors, etc.
GREEN Health, Population and Environment Education Book-10 75
The plants, and animals present in mountain region cannot sustain in terai region and
those in terai region cannot remain in mountain region. The ecosystems of mountain,
hilly and terai region are described below:
Mountain Region
Hilly Region
Terai Region
Fig: 4
Various geographical regions of Nepal
Mountain Region
Mountain region lies in the northern part of
Nepal which covers 35% of total area of Nepal. It
is expanded from east to west in northern part of
Nepal. It has very difficult land topography and
extreme cold climate.
The altitude above which there is snowfall
everyday is called snow line. Due to difference in
altitude and latitude, snow line varies in eastern Fig: 5
and western part of Nepal. It starts in 5000 metres in eastern part and 4000 metres in
western part of Nepal. Due to land structure, climate and temperature, there is diversity
in ecosystem of mountain region and they have special features as well. Various types of
plants, animals, birds, insects, reptiles etc are present in mountain region
Ecosystem of Mountain Region and Its Related Aspects
Physical Aspects
Physical aspects include area, altitude, land topography, climate, temperature, cultivable
land, rainfall pattern, etc. Mountain region covers 35% of total area in Nepal and is situated
76 GREEN Health, Population and Environment Education Book-10
at an altitude of 4877 m to 8848 m. It lies in the northern part of Nepal. It has very difficult
land topography. It consists of mountains, rocky areas, steep slopes, beautiful mountain
ranges, glacier, glacial lakes, etc. Mahalangoor, Annapurna, Lantang, Ganesh, Khanjirowa,
etc. are some of the famous mountain ranges in Nepal. In those ranges, the world’s highest
peak, Mt. Everest, Kanchanjanga, Makalu, Dhaulagiri, Chou, Machapuchhre, Ganesh,
Annapurna, etc. lie. Among 14 mountains having more than 8000 m high in the world, 8
mountains remain in Nepal. Mountain region is sub-divided into 3 regions as Marginal
Himalaya, Main Himalaya, and Inner Himalaya. Similarly, Tilicho lake, Rara lake, Chho
Rolpa, Gosain Kunda, Imza lake, etc. have enhanced natural beauty in mountain region.
However, Chho Rolpa lake, Imza lake and others are the glacial lakes and there is always
threat of Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF) caused by them due to increase of global
warming and climate change. Mountain region has very cold climate and temperature
remains low throughout the whole year. It consists of 16 districts in Nepal. Solukhumbu,
Manang, Mustang, Humla, Jumla, Dolpa, Mugu, Kalikot, Dolakha, Bajura, etc. lie in this
region.
The soil in mountain region is formed from sedimentary rocks and lacks humus,
phosphorus, calcium , iron, lime, etc. Hence, soil is not fertile there. There is presence of
only 2% cultivable land in mountain region.
Biological Aspects
Biological aspects include the living beings like plants, trees, animals, birds, insects,
reptiles, medicinal plants, food crops, cash crops, etc. The trees like pinus, cycas, fir,
larches, spruce, dhupi, rhododendron, etc. are present in mountain region. There is
presence of big trees only upto 4000 metres altitude which is called a tree line. Above
the tree line, bushes, grasses and small plants are present upto 4200 metres altitude . As
the temperature in mountain region is very cold, animals having thick hairs and that can
survive in low oxygen level can only remain in mountain region. The animals like yak,
snow leopard, jharal, ghoral, bear, panda, boar, etc. and birds like danphe, munal, kalij,
etc. are found in mountain region. It consists of many medicinal plants like yarsagumba,
paanch aunle, jatamasi, padamchal, etc. People cultivate barley, millet, buck wheat, uwa,
potato, peas etc. in this region. Fruits like apple, lemon and other citrus fruits are widely
available in this region. There is presence of wide range of living beings and biodiversity
in mountain region.
Fig: 6 Coniferous tree Snow leopard
GREEN Health, Population and Environment Education Book-10 77
Socio-Economic Aspects
Socio-economic aspects include language, people,
dance, dresses, festival, religions, cultural heritage
art, literature, occupation, housing pattern,
settlement areas, etc. People like Sherpa, Thakali,
Lhomi, Mugali, Manangi, Ghale, etc. live in this
region. There is less distribution of populatin
and human settlement is limited. Namche bazar,
Dhunche, Chame, Thak Khola, Dunai and Jomsom
are major selttlement areas in mountain region. Fig: 7
Chharkabhet in Humla district is the settlement
area in the highest place in Nepal. As mountain region has very cold climate, people
wear thick clothes like bakhu, docha, shyamu, sweater, jacket, cap, etc. The houses are
small, made up of stone and wood. Windows are made small to avoid heat loss and
cold. People consume hot and highly nutritious food to maintain temperature in body.
People have the lifestyle similar with the Tibetians. They follow Buddhism and celebrate
Lhosar, Buddhajayanti and other national festivals. There is presence of many cultural
heritages like Muktinath, Gosainknda, Pathivara, Kalinchowk, Chandan Nath, Tse
gumba,Tangboche gumba etc. in the mountain region.
According to 2011 census, 6.73% of total population live in mountain region. However,
there is gradual decrease in number of population there. People in mountain region are
involved in various occupation there. As there is presence of grassland in mountain
region, people are involved in animal farming. Similarly, agriculture, horticulture,
mountaineering, trekking, etc are some other occupation in which people are involved.
Mountain region has geographical difficulty, lack of facilities like health services,
education, transportation, communication, electricity, etc. Hence, people from mountain
region are migrating towards other regions. However, this region has high possibility
of tourism development, hydro-power generation, mountaineering, etc. The Upper
Tamakoshi, Chilime, Sanjhen, Thame, Trishuli A, etc. hydro-power projects are located
in mountain region.
Hilly Region
Hilly region lies in the middle part of Nepal in
between mountain and terai region. It covers 42%
of the total area of Nepal and extends from east
to west. It consists of hills, hillocks, valleys and
other land features. It has moderate climate which
is regarded as better from health point of view.
Based on climate, temperature and land structure,
we can find wide range of plants, animals, birds
etc. Hilly region is very rich in biodiversity. There
is diversity in ecosystems in hilly region due to its Fig: 8
features.
78 GREEN Health, Population and Environment Education Book-10
Ecosystem of Hilly Region and Its Related Aspects
a. Physical Aspects
Hilly region covers 42% of total area of Nepal which ranges from 610m to 4877m. It
consists of hills, hillocks, valleys, plateaus, rives, lakes, pond, watershed, streams, water
falls, etc. Tumlingtar, Salyantar, Battar, Palungtar, Gwalwatar, Kalleritar, Chaurjahari tar,
etc. are some of the important and famous plateus in hilly region.
Some of the human settlements in hilly region are in Bandipur, Daman, Hile, Sailung,
Tyamake, Sindhuligahi etc. There are 39 districts in hilly region. Some of them are Illam,
Panchthar, Nuwakot, Palpa, Gulmi, Parbat, Surkhet, Doti, Rolpa, Rukum, Baitadi etc. The
soil in hilly region is made up of sedimentary and igneous rocks and lack humus, lime,
etc. Hilly region consists of 10% cultivable land. There is diversity in ecosystems in hilly
region.
The hilly region is also sub-divided into three regions as Mahabharat range, Middle hills
and Siwalik range or Churia range.
b. Biological Aspects
Hilly region consists of varieties of plants and animals. There is presence of some plants
and animals in hilly region which are found in mountain and terai region as well as. There
is presence of katus, utis, chilaune, bakieno, okhar, painyu, bamboo, etc. in this region.
The trees like pinus, cycas, rhododendron, etc. found in mountain region are also found
in hilly region. Similarly, simal, champ etc. found in terai region are also present there.
Animals like fox, cow, goat, buffalo, bear, etc. are also found in hilly region. Similarly,
animals present in terai region, like tiger, leopard, deer, horse etc. are also present there.
Birds like crow, parrot, pigeon, sparrow, eagle, kalij, etc. are also found in hilly region.
Wide range of fish are found in lakes, rivers and ponds in hilly region. People widely
cultivate rice, wheat, maize, barley, millet, buckwheat, potato, mustard, various fruits
and vegetables in hilly region. There is even cultivation of tea, coffee, ginger, cardamom,
amrisho, etc. as cash crops. The hilly region consists of several medicinal plants like bojho,
asuro, dhaturo, tulsi, neem, tejpat, etc.
c. Socio-economic Aspects
Hilly region is inhabited by wide range of castes of
people like Brahmin, Chhetri, Rai, Gurung, Tamang,
Limbu, Newar, Thakuri, Magar, Kami, Damai, Sarki,
etc. Many of them speak their own languages like
Nepali, Rai, Tamang, Gurung, Newari, Magar, etc.
They live in many cities like Pokhara, Surkhet,
Banepa, Dhulikhel, Palpa, Trishuli, Kushma,
Baglung, Gorkha, Illam, Damauli, Bhojpur,
Chainpur, Waling, etc. including Kathmandu valley. Fig: 9
People in this region wear daura-surwal, shirt, pant,
sari, cholo, gunyu, ghalek, patuki, etc. People in this region follow different religions like
Hinduism, Buddhism, Christianity, etc. They enjoy a lot in celebrating Dashain, Tihar,
Gaijatra, Indrajatra, Buddha Jayanti, Lhosar, Teej, Maghe Sankranti, Christmas, etc. This
GREEN Health, Population and Environment Education Book-10 79
region has many famous cultural heritages like Pashupatinath, Swaymabunath, Baudha
Nath, Manakamana, Swargadwari, Palanchowk Bhagwati, Bindha basini, Dupcheshwor,
Ugratara, Deuti bajai, Tripura Sundari, Badimalika, Khaptad, Ramarosha, Shaileshwori
etc. As some major cities and capital city of Nepal lie in this region, it is linked with
road facilities across Nepal. Araniko Highway, B.P. Highway, Madan Bhandari Highway,
Prithivi Highway, Ratna Marga, Pasang Lamhu Highway, Bhupisherchan Highway,
etc. are situated in this region. Madhya Pahadi Lokmarga in this region connects Chiyo
Bhanjhang at panchthar in East to Jhulaghat at Baitadi in Far Western Region.
According to census 2011 A.D., 43% of total population in Nepal live in hilly region. There
is presence of many people in the big cities in this region. People have simple houses
to modern buildings in this region. They are constructed based on the geographical
conditions of a place. Houses are made of bricks, mud, tiles and cement. Some of the
houses are made of stone, soil or cement with roof covered by tiles or thatch. There is
construction of modern buildings with cement, rod and concrete using modern technology
in the big cities.
People in this region are involved in wide range of occupation. People cultivate varieties
of crops and vegetables in plateaus, valleys and hills. Many people are involved in
agriculture, animal husbandry, horticulture, floricultrue, tourism industry, trekking
industries and factories, business, trade, services, etc. In urban areas, people are involved
in business and enterprises.
Terai Region
Terai region lies in the southern part of Nepal which covers 23% of total area of Nepal. It
is also extended from east to west with the breadth of (25-30) km. It has hot and humid
climate. Based on land structure and climate of the terai region, there is diversity in plants,
animals, birds etc. and in the ecosystem.
Ecosystem of Terai, Region and its Related Aspects:
a. Physical Aspect
Terai region covers 23% of total area of Nepal which
lies in the southern part of Nepal. It consists of plain
and flat land. The soil in terai region is formed by
deposition of soil from mountain and hilly region
taken by the rivers. The land of terai consists of
alluvial soil rich in humus, lime and phosphorus.
Hence, the soil is very fertile. Terai region consists
of 17% cultivable land where people cultivate wide
rage of food and cash crops. It has hot and humid Fig: 10
climate. The temperature remains high throughout
the year. Terai region consists 20 districts in Nepal. Some of them are Jhapa, Morang,
Sunsari, Chitwan, Rautahat, Rupandehi, Dang, Kailali, Kanchanpur, etc. It is sub-divided
into 3 regions as Main Terai, Bhabar Terai and Inner Terai. There is variation in ecosystem
in terai region.
80 GREEN Health, Population and Environment Education Book-10
b. Biological Aspects
There is ecosystem diversity in terai region. A wide rage of plants, animals, birds, insects
and other creatures are found in terai region. It consists of Sal, Sisso, Simal, Khayar, Asna,
Bar, Peepal, Bamboo, etc. It has dense forest. Elephant, Rhinoceros, Tiger, Leopard, Deer,
Black buck, Fox, Buffalo, Monkey, etc. are found in the dense forest of terai region. Varieties
of Fish, Tortoise, Crocodile, etc. are present in rivers, lakes, ponds. There is abundant
presence of eagle, parrot, dove, pigeon, crow, peacock, saras, crane, vulture, giant pied
hornbill, etc. in the forests of terai region. As terai region has very fertile land, rice, wheat
and maize are extensively cultivated. Even the vegetables, fruits like mango, water
melon, jackfruit, grapes, etc. are cultivated easily. Similarly, there is massive cultivation
of cash crops like jute, sugarcane, cotton, mustard, legumes, coconut, cashew nut, etc. in
terai region. It consists of several medicinal plants like harro, barro, amala, tulsi, neem,
sarpagandha, sugandhawal, etc. in this region.
c. Socio-Economic Aspects
Terai region has diversity in socio-economic
aspects. People like Yadav, Rajbanshi, Tharu, Satar,
Mushahar, Jha, Majhi, Danuwar, Muslims, Rajput,
Dhimal, etc. live in terai region. They speak Maithili,
Bhojpuri, Awadhi, Tharu, etc. languages in different
geographical locations. People in terai region follow
Hinduism, Buddhism, Islam, Christianity, Kiranti,
Sikhism, etc. religions. They celebrate Dashain,
Tihar, Chhath, Maghi, Id, Fagu purnima, etc.
quite happily. This region is rich in many famous Fig: 11
cultural heritages like Lumbini, Barah Kshetra,
Chinnamasta, Gadhimai, Janaki temple, Janakpurdham, Bageshoweri temple, Devghat,
etc. The Jhingiya, Sakhiya, etc. are famous dances in terai. As the temprature is hot, people
in terai region wear thin clothes like dhoti, kurta, shirt, pant, t-shirt, sari, cholo, gamcha,
etc. during summer season.
Accroding to 2011 A.D census, 50.27% of total population live in terai region. The population
is continuously increasing in terai region. As, it has flat land, it becomes quite easier to
conduct development activities in terai and there is availability of several facilities like
health services, education, transportation, communication, electricity, employment, etc.
more in terai region. The major cities of terai region are Biratnagar, Bharatpur, Birgunj,
Butawal, Bhairahwa, Mahendranagar, Birtamod, Itahari, Janakpur, Nepalgunj, Dhangadi,
etc. In terai, people have small and large houses. Some are made up of mud, grass tiles,
etc. whereas modern buildings have been constructed in big cities.
Terai region has more industrialization. Many big industries, commercial hubs, factories
etc. have been established in terai. Many industries have been established in Biratnagar,
Itahari, Birgunj, Simara, Bhairahawa, Butawal, Nepalgung, Kohalpur industrial corridor.
There are Birgunj, Belhiya, Krishna nagar, Jamunah, Kakadvitta, Birtamod, Gaddhachauki
naaka in different parts of terai from where there is business and trade in Nepal. As terai
has fertile land, wide range of food and cash crops are cultivated. So, many people are
involved in agriculture as well. There is huge irrigation facility through Bagmati irrigation
GREEN Health, Population and Environment Education Book-10 81
project, Manusmara irrigation project, Babai irrigation project, Narayani irrigation
project, etc. which support in the agricultural production in terai. Similarly, some people
are involved in services as well.
Ways to Improve Socio-Economic Condition of People in Mountain and Hilly Region:
The socio-economic condition of people in mountain and hilly region is not better. People
need to adopt some ways for improvement of socio-economic condition. Some of them
are as follows:
a. People in mountain and hilly region should be encouraged for animal husbandry.
b. They should be encouraged for scientific farming.
c. There should be construction of roads by which people can have access to other
places.
d. People should be involved in horticulture.
e. There should be extension of markets so that people can sell their dairy products as
well as fruits and vegetables.
f. There should be establishment of cottage and small scale industries.
g. There should be conservation of cultural heritages and promotion of tourism
development.
h. People should be given opportunities for foreign employment.
i. Various infrastructures and facilities should be made available.
j. There should be establishment of community forestry programmes in different places.
Ways to Improve Socio-economic Condition of People in Terai Region:
The following measures should be adopted to improve the socio-economic condition of
people in terai region:
a. People in terai should be motivated for scientific farming.
b. There should be availability of irrigation facilities in all parts of terai region.
c. People should be encouraged for cultivation of various food and cash crops.
d. There should be provision of markets in terai region.
e. Various types of industries should be established in terai region.
f. People should be encouraged for starting of business and trade.
g. There should be development of infrastructures like schools, hospitals, commercial
sectors, etc. in terai region.
Activity: 1
Study on any two development projects in your locality and note down impacts on the
ecosystem. Later on present in your class.
82 GREEN Health, Population and Environment Education Book-10
4.3 Ecosystem by Geographical Regions and Effects on Environmental
Status
Various factors and conditions affect the ecosystem. Generally, increase of population,
conduction of development activity, forest fire, landslide, climate change, global warming,
etc. have serious impacts on ecosystem. As a result, there is great threat on the existing
plant, animals, birds, insects, etc. Human beings are also seriously affected by all of them.
Hence, it is so essential that the adverse impacts of human activities should be minimized
and ecosystem degradation should be controlled.
Effects of Ecosystem Degradation in Mountain Region and Their
Mitigating Measures
Mountain region has very difficult land topography. It consists of mountains, steep
slopes and rocky areas. So, it is very hard to conduct development activities there. As a
result, there is less availability of facilities like health services, education, transportation,
communication, etc. On top of them, mountain region has extremely cold climate and
life is very harsh there. More and more people are uneducated and unemployed as well.
There is increase of population and the resources like forest, water, soil, etc. are randomly
utilized. Due to this, various problems are seen in mountain region. Some of the effects of
ecosystem degradation in mountain region with their mitigating measures are as follows:
a. Excessive Use of Forest
Though the population growth is less in mountain region, increase of resources is not
much reduced. People randomly cut down trees for various household activities like
cooking food, heating water, burning wood, etc. As a result, there is depletion of wildlife,
increase of landslide and soil erosion. Hence, people must not randomly cut down trees.
There should be increase of afforestation in the open places. Moreover, priority should be
given for the use of alternative sources of energy like solar energy, wind energy electricity,
biogas, etc. so as to decrease more dependency on forest.
Fig: 12
Deforestation Afforestation
GREEN Health, Population and Environment Education Book-10 83
b. Livestock Farming
People in mountain region are involved in animal
husbandry. With the increase in number of people,
there is increase in number of cattle as well. There
is increase in overgrazing of land by increased
number of cattle in mountain region. Hence, the soil
in mountain region has become weak and there is
frequent occurrence of soil erosion and landslide.
People should adopt various ways of animal rearing. Fig: 13
They need to cultivate grasses in their own land
rather than grazing animals in grassland there.
c. Excessive Collection of Medicinal Plants
Mountain regon is famous for various medicinal plants like yarsagumba, paanch aunle,
jatamasi, padamchal, etc. Every year people migrate upwards from their settlement
areas to collect medicinal plants. Thousands and thousands of people migrate to collect
medicinal plants. Due to increased human activities, there is weakening of the top layer
of soil which leads towards soil erosion and landslide. Hence, people need to reduce
excessive collection of medicinal plants in mountain region. They need to cultivate the
medical plants in their own land.
Fig: 14
Yarshagumba Panchaule
d. Excessive Use of Land
With the increase of population, people cultivate randomly in the mountain region. They
cultivate even in the slopy areas as well. Moreover, they use excessive amount of chemical
fertilizers on land. As a result, there is decrease in soil fertility, decrease of food production
as well as increase of land pollution and occurrence of natural calamities like landslide,
soil erosion, etc. People in mountain region need to do scientific farming, rotate crops,
do terrace farming etc. in mountain region. People should be made aware about use and
preparation of compost in land.
e. Pollution Caused by Mountaineering
Mountain region is famous for beautiful mountain ranges, mountains and other natural
beauties. Every year, thousands of tourists visit mountain region for mountaineering and
84 GREEN Health, Population and Environment Education Book-10
trekking. During mountaineering, tourists randomly discharge oxygen cylinders, bottles, beer
cans, plastics, gloves, masks etc. here and there in the surrounding. As a result, there is increase
of air, water and land pollution in mountain region. The tourists should be encouraged for
bringing back the wastes. The wastes randomly discharged should be collected in a particular
place. Tourists should be given discount in tax if they bring back wastes.
Fig: 15
Climbing Mt. Everest Pollution on Mt. Everest
Effects of Ecosystem Degradation in Hilly Region and Their Mitigating
Measures
Due to increase of human activities and random conduction of development works, the
resources like forest, water, soil and minerals are excessively utilized. As a result, there is
degradation of environment and various problems are seen in the hilly region. Some of
the effects of ecosystem degradation in hilly region with their mitigating measures are as
follows:
a. Excessive Use of Forest Products
People in hilly region have less options for the energy source. They cut down trees
for cooking food, burning wood and other household activities. With the increase of
population, there is random increase of deforestation. Even some people cut down trees
to sell in market and generate income. Due to this, there is destruction of shelter place of
wildlife, impact on their reproduction, scarcity of underground water, lack of fresh air
and so on. Hence, people should limit deforestation and increase afforestation in open
spaces. There should be development of solar energy, generation of electricity, use of
biogas, etc. so as to reduce dependency on forest.
b. Livestock Farming
People rear animals in hilly region. They graze
cattle on grasslands and pasture lands in their
surroundings. Overgrazing of cattle leads towards
wiping out of the grass and top layer of soil is
exposed to sunlight, wind and water. Similarly,
people excessively collect food and fodder for cattle.
This leads towards destruction of small plants. As a
result, there is frequent occurrence of landslide and Fig: 16
GREEN Health, Population and Environment Education Book-10 85
soil erosion in hilly region. People must stop overgrazing of cattle. They should take care
of small plants while collecting food and fodder for animals.
c. Excessive Collection of Medicinal Plants
Hilly region consists of various medicinal plants like bojho, dhaturo, asuro, tejpat, tulsi,
etc. Many people have made the profession of collecting medicinal plants and sell them
in market. They randomly collect the medicinal plants. While collecting medicinal plants
they destroy other small plants as well. Random collection of medicinal plants and
destruction of other plants cause decrease in their number. Hence, many of them become
rare. It is most essential that people need to care about small plants while collecting
medicinal plants. It will be wise enough to cultivate medicinal plants in their own land.
d. Excessive Use of Land
Due to increase of population, there is increase
in demand of food. People do deforestation and
extend the cultivable land. They use excessive and
random amount of chemical fertilizers in the name
of increase of production. Even, they cultivate in
slopy areas. This leads towards increase of land
pollution, decrease of soil fertility and occurrence of
natural calamities. Similarly, the run off of chemical
fertilizers causes water pollution. As a result, there is Fig: 17
serious impact on terrestrial and aquatic ecosystem.
Many living beings have serious impacts on life cycle and reproduction process. People
should be encouraged for scientific farming, to use compost manure and to control
environmental pollution.
e. Problems of Solid Waste Management
Hilly region has more settlement areas and there is presence of more urban areas as well.
People randomly discharge their wastes here and there in their surroundings. It causes
increase of land pollution, water pollution, increase of insects and germs, spreading
of different types of diseases like diarrhoea, dysentery, typhoid, jaundice, malaria,
tuberculosis, etc. The solid wastes produced in hilly region should be properly managed.
People need to discharge wastes only in the dustbins or containers rather than throwing
here and there. Similarly, bio-degradable wastes like food stuff, animal parts, plant parts
etc. should be converted into compost manure. Similarly, non bio- degradable wastes like
plastics, metal, rubber, glasses etc. should be resued and recycled.
Effects of Ecosystem Degradation in Terai Region and Their Mitigating
Measures
There is increase of population growth, unmanaged urbanization, industrialization,
random conduction of development works, deforestation, excessive use of chemical
fertilizers, etc. in terai region. There is random utilization of forest, water, soil and minerals
in terai region. Random utilization of all of them adversely affects plants, animals,
86 GREEN Health, Population and Environment Education Book-10
birds, insects and the overall ecosystem in terai region. Some of the effects of ecosystem
degradation in terai region with their mitigating measures are as follows:
a. Excessive use of forest
Terai region of Nepal has dense forest. Many portion
of terai is covered by forest area. But due to excessive
migration of people in terai region from mountain
and hilly region, massive deforestation was occured.
People randomly cut down trees so as to extend
settlement areas and cultivable land. As a result,
there is depletion of wildlife, lack of fresh air, scarcity
of underground water, destruction of watershed etc.
Hence, people must limit deforestation. They must be
made aware about adverse impacts of deforestation. Fig: 18
There should be extension of conservation areas and
protected areas as well as establishment of national parks.
b. Livestock farming
Terai region has more grassland. With the increase
of people in terai region, there is increase in cattle
rearing. People domesticate and do farming of
various animals. They graze the cattle in the
grasslands. Overgrazing of cattle leads towards
clearance of grass and plants in the grassland. It
makes soil in the grassland weak. Hence, people
must stop over grazing of cattle.
Fig: 19
c. Excessive Use of land
Terai region has plain and flat land. Soil in terai
region contains humus, lime, phosphorus and is very
fertile. People can cultivate wide range of food and
cash crops there. They do random farming and use
random amount of chemical fertilizers, pesticides,
insecticides, etc. excessively. As a result, there is
increase of land pollution, decrease of soil fertility
and food production. Even there is serious impact
on terrestrial ecosystem as well as water ecosystem.
The reproduction, life cycle of plants, animals, Fig: 20
insects present in those ecosystems are adversely
affected and their survival is highly threatened. People must be encouraged for scientific
farming. Use of appropriate amount of chemical fertilizers, insectisides, pesticides, etc. as
well as control of environmental pollution.
GREEN Health, Population and Environment Education Book-10 87
d. Pollution caused by industries
There is more establishment of industries and
factories in terai region. Industries randomly
utilize forest, water, minerals, plants, etc. present in
environment. Random utilization of these resources
causes air, water, land pollution. As a result, there is
spreading of diseases, environment degradation as
well as increase of various environmental problems.
Hence, the industries should be established far away
from settlement areas in terai region. Moreover, they
should adopt modern equipments and technologies Fig: 21
so as to control air, water, land and sound pollution.
e. Conduction of Development Activities
Terai region has plain and flat land. It becomes
quite easier in terai region to conduct various types
of development activities. During the conduction
of development works, many resources like forest,
water, soil and minerals are massively and randomly
utilized. There is increase of deforestation, depletion
of wildlife, scarcity of underground water, increase
of air, water and land pollution. Hence, development
activities in terai region should be conducted in a
sustainable way. There should be conservation of Fig: 22
forest, land and water while conducting development
works in terai region.
4.4 Management and Conservation of Environment
Human beings are totally dependent on resources in environment for their proper
growth, development and survival. There is no existence of human life without resources
in environment. Hence, we must utilize various resources effectively. The efforts made
for the effective management and conservation of resources in environment are called
management and conservation of resources. While conducting development works or
utilizing the resources, we need to pay attention for pollution control and make balance
in ecosystem. We must conserve the resources at present and for future use.
Major Activities on Environment Conservation
Various activities are conducted for the conservation of environment. Some of them are
as follows.
a. Forest conservation b. Land conservation
c. Solid waste management d. Pollution control
88 GREEN Health, Population and Environment Education Book-10
a. Forest conservation
Forest is very much important for us. It provides
us fresh air, raw materials for industries, conserves
underground water, preserves wildlife etc. Due to
increase of population, there is increase of depletion
of forest. Hence, forest should be conserved
for conservation of environment. For this, the
local, national, governmental and international
organizations are making efforts. Ministry of
Forest and Land Conservation and its concerned
departments, Ministry of Agriculture and its Fig: 23
concerned departments, etc. prepare different plans and polices as well as implement
the conservation programmes. Various local and international organizations generate
awareness regarding importance of forest as well as organize plantation programmes.
There has been establishment of community forestry programmes in many parts of nation.
Moreover, knowledge on forest and other resources is given under different syllabus and
curriculum in school and universities. These all support in conservation of environment.
b. Land conservation
The measures adopted for avoiding erosion of soil
is called land conservation. Land is also equally
important for us. People live on land, grow different
crops, fruits and vegetables. But with the increase
of population and unmanaged urbanization, there
is increase in degradation of land. Hence, various
activities need to be performed for conservation
of land. People must do scientific farming, terrace
farming, use good quality seeds and good irrigation Fig: 24
system. They need to use appropriate amount of
chemical fertilizers and compost manure. Moreover, the Ministry of Forest and Land
Conservation and Ministry of Agriculture have implemented various programmes on
conservation of land. The need of land conservation has been included in the syllabus
and curriculum of school and universities.
c. Solid Waste Management
Different types of solid wastes are produced from different sources like home, market,
industry, office, hospital, etc. Many of those wastes are not properly managed and dumped
randomly. Hence, the solid wastes should be properly managed. The biodegradable
wastes should be converted into compost whereas non-biodegradable wastes should
be reused and recycled. Different municipalities and metropolitan cities have launched
different programmes for solid waste management. Kathmandu Metropolitan City has
installed machines to generate electricity, biogas, chemical fertilizers and purification
of water from solid waste produced. Pokhara Metropolitan city has also arranged for
generation of electricity from the solid wastes. Various other municipalities collect solid
GREEN Health, Population and Environment Education Book-10 89
wastes and dump in proper dumping sites. The tole sudhar smaitis (tole improvement
committees) at local level support in management of solid wastes. Similarly, certain
villages or districts have been announced to be open field defecation (OFD) free zones
which motivates people to use toilet either for urination or defecation. These all activities
are supporting for the conservation of environment.
Fig: 25
Solid wastes Dumping site
d. Pollution control
There has been increase of air, water, land and sound pollution with the increase of
industrialization, unmanaged urbanization and increase in number of vehicles. Hence,
we are facing several health and environmental problems. The pollution needs to be
controlled. For this, people should avoid open field defecation, control smoke and dust,
random disposal of wastes in water resources and excessive use of chemical fertilizers.
The Ministry of Environment and Science and Technology and its concerned departments
have implemented different rules and regulations to control different pollution. The
provision has been made to control old vehicles and establishment of industries far
away from the settlement areas. Similarly, some of the international organizations like
JICA, DANIDA, etc. have installed equipments in different parts of Kathmandu valley to
measure pollution level.
Activity: 2
1. Collect information regarding the following table.
Region Physical aspect Biological aspect Socio-economic aspect
2. Discuss with the mayor of your locality on activities for environment conservation
and later on discuss with your teacher in class with the conclusion.
3. Discuss in groups in your class on waste management and its challenges. Later on
present it in your class.
4. Prepare a project work on Ecosystem and its conservation.
90 GREEN Health, Population and Environment Education Book-10
Summary
1. The total number of people living in a particular place at a time is regarded as
population size. It can also be said as total number of people in a country.
2. Census is conducted in every ten years interval in Nepal. It has been conducted
regularly in Nepal since last 100 years.
3. Environment includes physical, biological and socio-cultural aspects which are
related to our life.
4. Ecosystem is the structural and functional unit in which there is inter-relationship
between biotic and abiotic components of environment.
5. Mountain region has very difficult land topography and very cold climate. Hilly
region has hills, slopy areas and moderate climate whereas terai region has plain
land, hot and humid climate.
6. Mountain region lies in the northern part of Nepal which covers 35% of total area
of Nepal.
7. Due to land structure, climate and temperature, there is diversity in ecosystem of
mountain region and they have special features as well.
8. The soil in mountain region is formed from sedimentory rocks and lacks humus,
phosphorus, calcium , iron, lime, etc.
9. There is presence of many cultural heritages like Muktinath, Gosainkunda, Pathivara,
Kalinchowk, Chandan Nath, Tse gumba,Tangboche gumba etc. in the mountain region.
10. Mountain region has geographical difficultly, lack of facilities like health services,
education, transportation, communication, electricity, etc.
11. Hilly region lies in the middle part of Nepal in between mountain and terai region.
It covers 42% of the total area of Nepal and is extended from east to west.
12. Terai region lies in the southern part of Nepal which covers 23% of total area of
Nepal. It is also extended from east to west with the breadth of (25-30) km.
13. Elephant, rhinoceros, tiger, leopard, deer, black buck, fox, buffalo, monkey, etc. Are
found in the dense forest of terai region.
14. Terai region has diversity in socio-economic aspects. People like Yadav, Rajbanshi,
Tharu, Satar, Mushahar, Jha, Majhi, Danuwar, Muslims, Rajput, Dhimal, etc. live in
terai region.
15. Terai region has more industrialization. Many big industries, commercial hubs,
factories have been established in terai.
16. Mountain region has very difficult land topography. It consists of mountains, steep
slopes and rocky areas. So, it is very hard to conduct development activities there.
17. People in mountain region need to do scientific farming, rotate crops, do terrace
farming etc. in mountain region.
18. Random collection of medicinal plants and destruction of other plants cause
decrease in their number. Hence, many of them become rare.
19. Development activities in terai region should be conducted in a sustainable way.
There should be conservation of forest, land water while conducting development
works in terai region.
20. The efforts made for the effective management and conservation of resources in
environment are called management and conservation of resources.
21. The measures adopted for avoiding erosion of soil is called land conservation.
GREEN Health, Population and Environment Education Book-10 91
Exercise
A. Write very short answer to the following questions.
1. What is population distribution?
2. What is the percentage of people living in mountain region in Nepal according to
2011 A.D. census?
3. Which region has the highest population in Nepal?
4. Define ecosystem.
5. How much land area is covered by mountain region?
6. At what altitude does snow line start in Eastern and Western part of Nepal?
7. What is the altitudinal range of mountain region?
8. Mention any 2 medicinal plants found in mountain region.
9. What is the main occupation of people in mountain region?
10. Mention the sub-division of hilly region.
11. How many districts are there in hilly region?
12. Write names of settlement areas in mountain region?
13. Which is the highest place having human settlement in Nepal?
14. How much cultivable land is present in hilly region?
15. Mention any two cash crops of hilly region.
16. Where does Swargadwari lie?
17. What is the altitudinal range of hilly region?
18. What is the breadth of terai region?
19. Mention the sub-division of terai region.
20. Write any two ethnic groups of terai region.
21. Where does Gadhimai lie?
22. How much cultivable land is present in terai region?
23. Mention any two ways to improve the socio-economic condition of people in
mountain region.
24. Write the full form of GLOF.
25. Write any two major activities on environment conservation.
B. Write short answer to the following questions:
1. Differentiate between physical aspects of mountain and terai region.
2. Explain briefly about physical aspects of hilly region.
92 GREEN Health, Population and Environment Education Book-10
3. Compare the biological aspects of hilly and terai region.
4. Explain briefly about biological aspects of mountain region.
5. Show the differences on socio-economic aspects of mountain and hilly region.
6. Explain briefly about socio-economic aspects of terai region.
7. Why is the ecosystem of mountain region less degraded?
8. How can we improve the socio-economic condition of people of terai region?
9. List out the major activities on environment conservation and explain any one
briefly.
10. Mention some of the works done by government for pollution control.
11. Why is the ecosystem of terai region more degraded?
12. Write down the effects of excessive use of land in hilly region.
13. “Hilly region is rich in biodiversity.” Justify this statement.
C. Write long answer to the following questions:
1. Explain briefly about ecosystem of mountain region.
2. Compare the biological aspects of mountain, hilly and terai region.
3. Explain about ecosystem of terai region.
4. What are the effects of ecosystem degradtion on hilly region? Write with their
control measures.
5. What are the effects of ecosystem degradation on mountain region? Write with
their control measures.
6. What are the major activities for conservation of environment? Explain briefly.
GREEN Health, Population and Environment Education Book-10 93
unit Family Life Education
5 and Quality of Life
Estimated Teaching Periods: 18
Learning Outcomes
Learning Objectives
After completing the study of this unit, students will be able to:
i. introduce quality of life.
ii. explain the importance of quality of life.
iii. state the measures to improve quality of life.
iv. describe the relationship between quality of life and low quality of life.
Course Outline
5.1 Concept of Quality of Life
5.2 Base of Quality of Life
5.3 Indicators of Happy Life
5.4 Human Development Index
5.5 Relationship between quality of life and low quality of life
Glossary
emotional : of or relating to emotion
maternal : of or relating to a mother
sanitation : the process of keeping places free from dirt, infection, disease, etc. by
removing waste, trash and garbage, by cleaning
spiritual : of or relating to a person’s spirit
conception : the process of becoming pregnant involving fertilization or implantation
or both
equality : the quality or state of being equal: the quality or state of having the same
rights, social status, etc.
94 GREEN Health, Population and Environment Education Book-10
5.1 Concept of Quality of Life
Quality of life is related with the improvement of comfort required for survival i.e.,
making goods and services easily available to the people. Quality of life is a very broad
subject. It includes the satisfaction of physical, mental and emotional, socio-cultural and
spiritual needs. One of the main objectives of population education is to improve the
quality of life of individual, family, society, nation and the entire world. Different people
have different views to define quality of life. Some people define quality of life on the basis
of economic prosperity, some define it according to individual’s priority and philosophy
of life. Some define it on the basis of fulfillment of social, emotional and physical needs
to gain happiness and satisfaction in life. Though there are different views for quality
of life, they come to the conclusion that quality of life is the condition in which there is
satisfaction and happiness with the fulfillment of needs of people.
According to R.C Sharma “Quality of life is very complex concept as it involves the
satisfaction of emotional needs and social aspiration of the community or society as well
as the society’s ability to meet the basic needs of food, energy, space, housing, etc. by
itself.”
According to UNESCO Seminar on Quality of Life and Environmental Indicators in 1976
“Quality of life is the sense of being pleased or satisfied with those life elements that are
most important to a person.”
The quality of life may also vary from person to person or with the change in time and
situation. For example, for a very poor man, a small room or a hut may satisfy him for
his housing need. But for a very rich person, even a very big and comfortable house can’t
satisfy him. Similarly, it may also vary from one country to another. Quality of life is also
affected by the size of family, income of family, health, education, etc.
In short, quality of life includes all the necessary services and facilities that are required
to make people happy and satisfied.
Aspects of Quality of Life
Quality of life is the lifestyle full of happiness and satisfaction with the fulfillment of
basic, socio-cultural, emotional and psychological needs. It is the degree of satisfaction
one has in relation with the various aspects of human needs. The various aspects required
for quality of life are given below:
a. Physical needs
Nutritious food, balanced diet, clothing, clean housing, fresh air, pure drinking water, etc.
that are required for survival are included under these needs.
b. Social cultural needs
Education, health facilities and services, employment opportunities, transportation and
communication, entertainment, security, human rights, etc. are included here.
GREEN Health, Population and Environment Education Book-10 95
c. Mental and emotional needs
Love, affection, care, co-operation, respect, satisfaction, security, etc. are included in the
mental and emotional needs.
d. Spiritual needs
Thinking, belief, freedom, practice of beliefs, social existence, religious beliefs, etc. are
included here.
Basic physical Social and Mental and Spiritual needs
needs cultural needs emotional needs
Clean housing, Education, Love, affection, Freedom of
food, clothing, health services co-operation, thoughts, freedom
fresh air, clean and facilities, honour, respect, in practicing
drinking water, employment, satisfaction, norms and values,
etc. transportation, security, etc. freedom to
communication, believe in religion,
human right, satisfaction, social
liberty, etc. existence, etc.
Fulfillment all these needs
Quality of life
Importance of Quality of Life
For living a successful and prosperous family life, quality of life is necessary. It helps
in the overall development of any family. It not only affects the families but directly or
indirectly affects the society and the nation to a great extent. Generally, the people of
developing countries with large family size and high population growth rate have low
quality of life due to lack of means and resources. Quality of life is a basis for happiness
and joy. The importance of quality of life is mentioned below:
a. Fulfillment of Basic Needs
The basic needs for survival include food, clothes, shelter, good health, security, etc.
Quality life plays an important role in the fulfillment of these needs. The family having
quality of life can easily manage for all these needs. Without the fulfillment of these needs,
quality of life can’t be maintained. So, to fulfill the basic needs, we need quality of life.
96 GREEN Health, Population and Environment Education Book-10
b. Attainment of Quality Education
Quality of life plays an important role in the welfare
of family. A family having quality of life can easily
provide quality education to its members in the
school and colleges. Quality education helps to
prepare skilled and efficient people for future. It helps
in the career development of people and ultimately
contributes to the economic development of a family.
Fig: 1
c. Management of Health Services and Facilities and Sanitation
The management of health services and facilities
help to keep the members of the family healthy. The
ultimate goal of quality of life is to make the physical,
mental, social and emotional health of the people fit. If
the people are living quality of life, they can contribute
in managing necessary health services and facilities
easily. At the same time, they can also help in keeping
their surrounding environment neat and healthy for
good health of its members. Fig: 2
d. Facilities of Maternal and Child Welfare
For good health of a mother and child, proper care of
the mother is required. The care must be given from
the period of pregnancy and must be continued until
the baby is of five years. This helps in the physical,
mental and social development of both the mother and
the child. Only those families having quality of life can
provide these facilities. It is difficult for the families
with low quality of life to provide these facilities. As a Fig: 3
result, the maternal and child death rate is controlled
in the families with quality of life.
e. Opportunities of Income Generating Activities and Employment
Generally the people living quality of life get chances
of quality education. With quality education, they also
get good employment opportunities which helps them
to generate good income. They can grab any kind of
income generating opportunities to generate income.
Using their knowledge, skill and ideas, they can also
create different types of employment opportunities
which can help in the economic development of the
family, society and the nation. Fig: 4
GREEN Health, Population and Environment Education Book-10 97
f. Feeling of Co-existence
In a family living quality of life, the males and females get equal opportunities of
achieving all kinds of needs. For example, food, education, health facilities, social and
economic needs, etc. can be gained equally by males and females. There is no gender
discrimination. Males and females are equally participated in employment, social and
political activities. This makes them self dependent . So, quality of life is important for
developing the feeling of co-existence.
g. Women Employment
Women Employment is the process of making the
women powerful by giving quality education, skill
oriented training or special conservation. Families
living quality of life can provide these facilities to
empower the females. Thus, women can participate
in different service oriented activities. At the same
time, they can also involve in income generating
oportunities which will help to reduce the economic
burden of the family. Thus, quality of life is necessary Fig: 5
for empowering women.
Elements of Quality of life
Quality of life of people in a country is affected by the economic, social, cultural, political
and environmental conditions. It depends on the income and expenditure of the family,
size of family, etc. Different needs like food, clothes, fresh air, pure drinking water,
education, health facilities, entertainment, security, income, etc. must be fulfilled for
maintaining quality of life. Since quality of life is a multidimensional subject, it is affected
by various elements. Some of the elements, that affect quality of life are given below.
Spiritual development
Social and Size of family
Cultural values Nutritious food
Housing
Health facilities
Saving Education
Security Sanitation
Elements of quality of life
Fig: 6 Employment opportunities and income
98 GREEN Health, Population and Environment Education Book-10
a. Nutritious Food
Food is one of our survival needs. Nutritious food
helps the body in the physical, mental and social
development of an individual. It gives energy to
the body to fight against different types of diseases,
germs and keep us healthy. Lack of sufficient amount
of food leads us to malnutrition. Malnutrition is the
cause of different types of diseases. This results
to low quality of life. Therefore, nutritious and
balanced diet must be provided to the members of
the family for maintaining quality of life.
b. Size of Family Fig: 7
Size of family refers to the number of member
in a family. Size of family is another element
of quality of life. If the family size is small, the
needs and demands of its members can be
easily fulfilled. A harmonious environment
can be maintained in the family with mutual
understanding, co-operation, sharing love and
affection etc. On the other hand, when there is
a big family, even the basic needs and demands
like food, health facilities and education cannot Fig: 8
be easily fulfilled. As a result, family peace and harmony is disturbed. Therefore, size of
family has an important role in living quality of life.
c. Health
Good health is another basic need of every
people. Healthy people are considered as the
assets of any country since they can contribute
in the development of the family, society and
the nation. So, good health is also considered
as a component of quality of life. For good
health of its citizens, the government should
manage necessary health services and facilities
and make them easily accessible. When we are
physically and mentally healthy, we can easily Fig: 9
involve in getting education, good employment, look after the fulfillment of family needs,
etc. This helps to maintain quality of life. To be healthy, following factors are to be taken
into consideration:
1. Intake of balanced and nutritious diet
2. Get enough/sound sleep
3. Drink sufficient amount of pure water
GREEN Health, Population and Environment Education Book-10 99
4. Maintain personal hygiene and environmental sanitation
5. Regular health check up
6. Marriage at appropriate age
7. Conceive at appropriate age and maintain birth spacing
8. Knowledge of primary health care
9. Maintain balance between rest and exercise
10. Vaccination
d. Sanitation
We know that dirty/polluted surrounding is the
source of germs and diseases. People living in such
environment are affected with different types of
health problems. Sanitation in the environment
makes it clean, green and healthy. It helps us to
prevent diseases as well as live active and long life.
Therefore, maintenance of sanitation inside and
outside the house, public properties like well, tap, Fig: 10
inns (pati-pauwa), temples, ponds, lake, etc. has
an important role in maintaining quality of life.
e. Education
Education enlightens the life of people. It makes
people able to distinguish between good and bad
things. An educated person can have good family
relationship, co-operate with the people in the
society and promote the development activities
of the society. Quality education also gives quality
employment opportunities and good earning.
This helps to fulfill the needs and demands of the Fig: 11
family easily and maintain quality of life.
f. Income and Employment Opportunities
The nature of income governs the quality of life of the family. Different people are
engaged in different types of income generating activities. In Nepal, majority of people
are engaged in agriculture. Some are engaged in trade, business, jobs, services, etc. The
more the number of people are engaged in productive work, better will be the income
generation. So, more opportunities of employment is to be created. Even the illiterate
people can be given skill oriented training so that they can engage in income generating
activities. When maximum number of family members generate income, the economic
100 GREEN Health, Population and Environment Education Book-10
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