Includes bibliographical references and index

The book examines how environmental resources in contemporary India are used, controlled, and often exploited, and how this process is closely tied to issues of social justice and inequality. Gadgil and Guha argue that environmental degradation is not only an ecological problem but also a social and political one. They show that the benefits of natural resource use—such as forests, water, and minerals—are often captured by powerful groups, including industries, urban populations, and the state, while the costs are disproportionately borne by rural communities, tribal groups, and the poor.

Through historical analysis and case studies, the authors demonstrate how development policies and large-scale projects have led to deforestation, displacement, and the marginalization of communities that traditionally depended on local ecosystems. The book highlights conflicts between conservation efforts, economic development, and the livelihoods of local people, emphasizing that environmental management must incorporate both ecological sustainability and social equity

http://172.20.27.22:4000/handle/123456789/133