Understanding Existing Natural Ecosystems and its Disruption through Development Projects

Objective:

• To study and understand the natural ecosystems of a city/town/village. 
• To study the Natural resource management of the same and identifying the differences of then and now in the ecosystems.
• To study how the development projects have changed or disrupted the natural systems. 

Outcome:

Students will be able to critically view development projects in the context of its impact on Environment and climate.

Requirements:

 Identify and select a Two tier city and a town/village for the field visit and study. Field visit to be planned and organized under guided expert. 

Prerequisites:

• Prior fundamental knowledge on city/village Water bodies and systems, rains, traditional forest covers, topography and contours. 

A two day visit to be planned to study and document the Natural water reservoirs, water supply network, waste water discharge and treatment systems, Waste management, Rainwater systems, Green cover and study on major development projects planned.

Procedure:

Form two groups out of total students 

Group A – Two tier city visit and study, 

Group B – Visit the selected town/village. 

Each of these 2 teams can be further united into 2 groups A & B. 

1. Group A can study Water related systems i.e. Water reservoirs (historically and present mapping), Existing water supply network, Waste water discharge and treatment systems.
2. Group B can study Rainwater treatment systems, Waste management system, fire safety infrastructure, forest and green cover then and now, and research on the major development projects of the city/town that has changed the discourse and shape and its consequences.

Interact with the officials, old people, residents, etc to understand how the city/town has changed historically in context of natural resources.

Step 1: An indepth study be carried out based on field based visit and interaction, observations and desk research and each system be documented. Use technology or software tools if required for contour or topography, water level mapping, green cover mapping, etc. Document how the environment systems have changed over the years and how the development projects have impacted its discourse.  

Step 2: Map the interconnectedness of each systems for eg. how the dumpsite is affecting the quality and increasing toxicity of ground water. Try to map and understand the larger matrix and paradigms of development projects, its indifference and its impact on the immediate environment. 

Step 3: Each of the two groups share and present their documentation and study findings. Each group to share amongst the team members – i) Impacts observed on the ecosystem ii) Key reasons iii) Difference in these systems in 2nd tier city and town/village.

Step 4: Reflect on the findings and our development approach and climate change.

References:

None