In what ways is the environment of your country threatened?

Our survival depends on how well we handle our environment. The term environment refers to mountains, land, seas, oceans, forests and rivers. It also includes men, animals and plants. Mauritius, being a small country, is prone to many environmental hazards. Environmental pollution has become a great menace to man. Our environment is threatened in many ways including modernization, industrialization, deforestation, urbanization, agriculture, transport and travel and tourism. Measures and solutions are being taken to reduce them as eliminating them is impossible.

The rapid growth of population is the most important cause in the imbalance of our environment. The larger the population, the greater the facilities and resources are required. Mauritius, being on of the small islands developing state is limited in size and resources. The demands of the population are increasing day by day and this is causing harm to our surroundings. There is not much space available for agriculture. If the growth is not checked, the pollution will get worsened.

Modernization and industrialization in a tiny country like ours are having harmful effects on the environment. There is no proper zoning system in the country. The setting up of industries anywhere is giving rise to all types of pollution. The factories owners do not abide by the laws and run their factories as per their wish without thinking about what would happen to the environment. Land, noise and air pollutions are very common things nowadays. Aquatic lives have to suffer also because of factories which throw dyes in water.

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Moreover, in the name of road networks and residential areas, we are affecting our physical environment. The large scale destruction of forests is a great threat to mankind. People are cutting down trees to make buildings and the beauty of nature is thus disappearing. We depend a lot on our forests. Even animals depend on forests for food and shelter.

Our cities provide for their inhabitants all the material comforts that modern science has bestowed upon man. They do not have the time to observe nature and appreciate its beauty. They are more interested in having big shopping complexes, houses and restaurants. Coromandel, which once used to be an agricultural land has now turned into a residential one. There is no control over population in urban areas and therefore over-crowding and environmental pollution have increased.

The overuse and use of chemicals in agriculture affect our land our food. The insecticides used by farmers on the plants are washed away by rain and absorbed by the soil which caused the plants to die. These chemicals have proved to be very bad for health. Pesticides also form part in killing harmful pests and harmful wild lives. Chlorinated hydrocarbons are estimated to stay in the soil that contains those chemicals can accumulate them into their tissues. Human beings, very often unaware of these facts, are victims of all types of illnesses.

Atmospheric pollution is being caused by the increasing fleet of vehicles and industries. Vehicles use fuels such as kerosene, diesel and oil. There is no control of the number of vehicles running our roads and motorways. The exhaust fumes from vehicles contribute a lot on our environmental imbalance. Noise pollution is another drawback of overuse of cars. Moreover, the industrial machines also contribute to noise pollution.

The expansion of tourism is an opportunity for Mauritius but there are many environmental challenges. Sea activities mean a lot to tourists. They come to our island especially because of our beautiful beaches and lagoons. Due to marine pollution, the tourism can be very much affected. Many tourists will refuse to choose Mauritius as destination for holidays and will rather turn to the neighborhood islands like Seychelles and Reunion. Also, in Mauritius, many hotels have been built for tourists. At times there are no clients at all in those hotels. Then why is the need of having so many hotels? We are working according to a wrong planning and management.

Several measures can be taken to diminish the risks of environmental hazards. A forestation will prove to be very beneficial. If ever we are cutting one tree, it will be good to plant another two trees. By doing this, there will be a balance in nature. The government must put a tax on fertilizers which will discourage those making excessive use of them and they will be more careful. Furthermore, catalytic converters or even unleaded petrol should be used. This will be helpful to decrease the level of pollution. Also environment education must be taught in schools. This will create awareness among the children and they will therefore know how to maintain their surroundings. Bins must be placed everywhere so as to have a clean and perfect environment. No work is done correctly without motivation. If awards for best villages, best cities and gardens are given, then the environment might become much more pleasant.

Let us conclude the essay quoting the two famous sentences used by Mrs Indira Gandhi when she inaugurated the 12th World Energy Congress- "We should be good guests on earth, neither too demanding nor disturbing its delicate balance. We should allow it to renew itself for those who are to follow."

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