This book is designed to prove a unique handbook on ecology and environment. Very succinct information is gathered and contained in the topics like-Floral and faunal distribution in India; Endangered species of India; Ethno botanical studies in India; Wildlife reserves in India; Biodiversity; Natural Resources Conservation in India; The Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 etc. will prove of utmost use to academics, environmental scientists; policy planners and workers in the field.

The major components of lands-croplands, forest lands and grazing lands-out of these grazing lands have been most neglected. Large areas of former grazing lands have come under agriculture leading to an overstocking of the remaining areas. The result is a hungry and malnourished animal population while experts debate whether the number of animals is not too large. Similarly freshwater resources are also in dwindling stage. This book brings together authentic/ information on land and freshwater situation and laws enacted for pollution control. Topics X-rayed in this book are: Land Management; Indian Rivers; Convention (with Annex) Concerning Fishing in the Water of Danube (1958); Agreement Concerning the International Commission for the Protection of the Rhine against Population (1963); European Convention on the Protection of the Archaeological Heritage (1969); Convention on Wetlands of International Importance Especially as Waterfowl Habitat (1971); OECD: Council Recommendation on Principles Governing Tran frontier Pollution (1974); Convention for the United States and Canada on Great Lakes Water Quality (1976); Convention on the Protection of the Rhine Against Pollution by Chlorides (176); Agreement between the United States and Canada on Great Lakes Water Quality (1978); etc.

Growing population pressure has always been a major cause of forest depletion. Forests are disappearing today not simply because human numbers are growing. Their disappearance can spell catastrophe for people now living and for future generations. If we want to avoid that catastrophe, we must understand why the forests are disappearing. Only in the light of that understanding can measures be devised and action taken to avert disaster.

Major laws to protect forests and forest resources so far are given coverage in this book. Some of these are: People and Forests; The State of World's Forests; Forest Farming; Amazon Declaration (1989); Declaration of Brasilia (1989); International Tropical Timber Agreement (1983); International Labour Conference Recommendation 104; Rio Declaration on Environment and Development (1982); Phyto-Sanitary Convention for Africa South of Sahara (1954) etc.

Soon after the discovery of X-rays and radio activity a sizable number of workers started using ionizing radiations. Their number increased manifold after the start of nuclear energy programmes in different countries. Hundreds of thousands of woks have been associated with this programme directly while millions of people in a number of countries have been affected in some way or the other by nuclear radiations. A large amount of information on the radiation effects has become available from the use of X-rays and radium sources in radiology and cancer therapy, from victims of atomic blasts accidents at nuclear energy installations, and general population exposed to atmospheric tests conducted by the major and less major powers.

Some important laws on nuclear issues are given in this book. Major among these are: Convention on Early Notification of a Nuclear Accident (1986); Convention on Assistance in the Case of a Nuclear Accident or Radiological Emergency (1986); Status of Convention on Early Notifications of Nuclear Weapon Tests in the Atmosphere, in Outer Space and Under Water (1963); Convention on the Physical Protection of Nuclear Material (1993); Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons; Convention on Third Party Liability in the Field of Nuclear Energy etc.