Description
Taxmann Environmental Science, Theory into Practice (I and II) by Sanjay Kumar Batra, Kanchan Batra, Harpreet Kaur
Environmental Science – Theory into Practice (I & II) is a comprehensive and authentic textbook designed to meet the requirements of the National Education Policy (NEP) and the Undergraduate Curriculum Framework (UGCF). This book thoroughly covers the prescribed syllabus of Years I & II for Environmental Science courses offered at various universities throughout India, including the University of Delhi, the Non-Collegiate Women's Education Board (NCWEB), and the School of Open Learning (SOL). Written lucid and student-friendly, the text integrates theoretical concepts with practical insights, enabling readers to understand and apply core environmental principles.
This book is intended for the following audience:
Undergraduate Students – Ideal for those pursuing Environmental Science or related ability enhancement courses (AEC) under the National Education Policy (NEP)
Educators and Instructors – A valuable resource for teachers looking to provide comprehensive, up-to-date content, along with practical activities and case studies
Competitive Exam Aspirants – The book's point-wise explanations and examination-oriented approach, including past question papers, make it a handy reference for students preparing for environmental studies sections in various exams
Environmental Enthusiasts – Anyone looking to broaden their understanding of contemporary environmental challenges, policies, and sustainable solutions will find this text insightful
The Present Publication is the 8th Edition, authored by Dr Sanjay Kumar Batra, Dr Kanchan Batra & Prof. Harpreet Kaur, with the following noteworthy features:
[NEP-aligned & UGCF-based] Strictly in accordance with the latest National Education Policy (NEP) syllabus framework, ensuring comprehensive coverage of essential concepts
[Complete Syllabus Coverage] Encompasses the prescribed curriculum for Years I & II in universities across India, including the University of Delhi, NCWEB, and SOL
[Comprehensive Topic Reporting] Detailed discussion on key environmental topics such as Ecosystems, Natural Resources, Biodiversity, Disaster Management, Pollution, Greenhouse Effect, and Endangered Species
[Up-to-date Policy Insights] Special updates on environmental policies, human population growth, G20 Summit, and other relevant contemporary developments
[Point-wise Elucidation] Each topic is broken down systematically, facilitating quick revision and better retention
[Practical/Experiential Approach] Unique coverage of practical exercises, outreach activities, and experiential tasks at the end of each chapter to reinforce learning
[Exam-oriented] Contains numerous subjective and objective questions, including previous years' questions from the University of Delhi; also includes past exam question papers for reference
[Case Studies & Practical Examples] Incorporates Indian and global case studies that contextualise environmental theory within practical scenarios
[Author Expertise] The authors bring decades of teaching, research, and publication experience, imparting an in-depth and academically rigorous perspective
[Regular Updates] Emphasis on current policies (like G20 Summit discussions) and emerging environmental challenges ensures readers are abreast with the latest developments
[Inclusive Approach] The content is written in clear, accessible language to cater to students from diverse backgrounds and courses
[Interactive Learning] Practical exercises and case studies at the end of each chapter foster collaboration, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills among students
The coverage of the book is as follows:
Year 1 Curriculum
Introduction to Environmental Studies – Multidisciplinary nature, components of the environment, scope, importance of sustainability, and historical milestones in environmentalism
Ecosystems – Definition, structures (biotic, abiotic), functions (energy flow, food webs, nutrient cycling), ecosystem services, and conservation strategies
Natural Resources – Focus on land, water, and energy resources, exploring sustainable utilisation, resource depletion, and notable case studies like the Chipko movement, Tarun Bharat Sangh, etc.
Environmental Pollution – Addresses air, water, soil, thermal, and noise pollution, along with nuclear hazards; provides control measures, standards, and global examples such as Ganga Action Plan and Delhi air pollution
Year 2 Curriculum
Global Environmental Issues & Policies – Climate change, global warming, ozone layer depletion, international treaties (UNFCCC, Montreal Protocol, Kyoto Protocol, CBD), and India's National Action Plan on Climate Change
Biodiversity & Conservation – Concepts of genetic, species, and ecosystem diversity; hotspots; threatened species of India; in-situ and ex-situ conservation methods; major conservation projects (Project Tiger, Vulture Breeding Program, etc.)
Human Communities & the Environment – Population growth, environmental movements (Chipko, Appiko, Narmada Bachao Andolan), environmental ethics, and the role of religions in conservation
Each unit concludes with review questions, past exam questions, objective-type questions, and practical exercises, ensuring thorough practice and hands-on learning
The structure of the book is as follows:
Logical Unit-wise Flow – Divided into seven central units/chapters aligned with the UGCF-based NEP syllabus
Chapter Summaries and Recap – Each chapter begins with an introduction and ends with a summary or brief recap to reinforce the learning objectives
Practice Material
Review Questions – Short-answer and discussion-based questions to test conceptual understanding
Past Exam Paper – Invaluable for familiarising students with the examination pattern
Objective-type Questions – Ideal for quick revision and self-evaluation
Practical Exercises – Encourage experiential learning through experiments, outreach activities, and field visits
User-friendly Formatting – Point-wise explanations, tables, diagrams, and real-life examples help simplify complex environmental concepts