Finite Natural Resources Research Articles

Circularity strategy for an imperfect production system with impact of emission of carbon

ABSTRACT The circular economy, a creative and effective solution to many industrial systems, strives to preserve the environment by wisely using the finite natural resources. While maximising profitability, the production technique proposed in this paper yields commodities with different levels of circularity. Because today’s consumers are more socially conscious of their consumption patterns, the circularity of the products directly affects customer demand as well as gross profit per unit. Many linear and nonlinear forms are employed in the analysis of these effects. Carbon emissions are also a result of the manufacturer’s multiple production-related operations, which include setup, warehousing, and production procedures. The main objective of this effort is to assist the manufacturer in achieving optimal levels of production and circularity while simultaneously safeguarding the environment by reducing carbon emissions through practical operational modifications to determine the production manager’s best tactics that have an effect on the system’s total gross profit. The next step is to analyse the effects of varying the system parameter values on the parameter’s behavioural patterns and the most effective industry management strategies. This study aids electrical equipment producers, such as mobile makers, in determining the optimal circularity level for the manufactured goods, so they may maximise revenues and safeguard the environment.

Current challenges on the widespread adoption of new bio-based fertilizers: insights to move forward toward more circular food systems

To meet global food demands sustainably, it is necessary to safeguard finite natural resources and reduce harmful emissions to the environment. Nutrients in biowastes are often not managed appropriately. Instead, they can be recovered, recycled into bio-based fertilizers (BBFs) and reincorporated into food production systems. This review addresses three critical issues for developing and adopting new BBFs, focusing on the European context: (1) BBFs should match the agronomic efficiency of mineral fertilizers. We propose that the agronomic efficiency of BBFs can be increased through pre-treating the inputs in biowaste transformation processes (e.g., anaerobic digestion), chemical treatments of existing BBFs, organo-mineral combinations, and soil placement strategies. (2) Production and use of new BBFs is not free of environmental impacts, and these are influenced by regional conditions. (3) Public perception and end-user preferences play a significant role in the adoption of BBFs. Therefore, it is vital to address the requirements of end-users of BBFs. Our findings indicate that for widespread adoption, BBFs need sufficient and reliable nutrient amounts and crop-adequate ratios, as well as competitive pricing. A key advantage of BBFs over mineral fertilizers is their ability to improve soil fertility. However, farmers also require fertilizers that can be handled and applied with existing machinery and offer the practicality of commercial products. Another important aspect is the willingness of consumers to buy products fertilized with BBFs. Designing and promoting BBFs requires a careful assessment of environmental impacts and regional conditions, as the sustainability of BBFs depends on factors like energy sources and biowaste transport distances. Ultimately, the goal is to promote a circular economy and not just to substitute mineral fertilizers with new products. This review aims to guide researchers, policymakers, and stakeholders by highlighting key innovations and addressing critical barriers.

Digital Circular Economy and the Global Ecotourism Sector: A Critical Perspective

This perspective seeks to build meaningful linkages between the digital circular economy and the global ecotourism sector. The ‘new normal’ in a post-pandemic world calls for innovative solutions to the challenge of low revenue growth in the traditional tourism sector. Ecotourism or sustainable tourism can be the way forward, provided it is coupled with emergent digital technologies of the likes of artificial intelligence, big data and the internet of things, among many others. This article relies on an existing review of literature from all over the world on the theme in order to arrive at meaningful inter-relationships between the digital circular economy and the global ecotourism sector. The main conclusion of this opinion piece is as follows. For ensuring a prosperous global ecotourism sector (or sustainable tourism), moving towards a digital circular economic framework ensures not just a reduction in the depletion of finite natural resources but also an enhancement in biodiversity and a significant reduction in business costs. Thus, ecotourism and digital circular economy aim at creating sustainable value both for businesses and the environment in more ways than one. Additionally, some of the major policy and managerial implications of this study pertain to the need for, first, greater local community involvement in the ecotourism sector; second, constant upskilling of the workforce in the sector with regard to latest digital technologies for their long-term benefit; and last, building a robust digital framework and ensuring last mile connectivity for all ecotourist destinations.

Urban Environmental Planning in Shimla Smart City: Review of Related Literature

Urban environmental concerns are on rise due to increasing population pressure on finite natural resources, deforestation, over grazing, unplanned construction, networking of roads and large-scale modification of natural landscape. It has caused irreversible damage to the ecology of this Himalayan state. Number of ultra modern projects, road networking, hydropower projects, and SEZ and real estate projects are costing Himalayan ecology. Unplanned developmental activities and urban processes in city have resulted in several ecological problems like environmental pollution, noise pollution extreme climatic conditions, shortage of drinking water, landslides, sinking land and change in seasonal cycle. Poor urban planning will cause social, economic and environmental implications in long term. Cities needs to be planned professionally keeping in mind future sustainability. Before planning a city in hilly areas, needs proper understanding of complex and dynamic phenomena involving interaction between environmental and socio- economic and political factors with multi disciplinary approach and vision. Urbanization and industrialization on one side is contributing its share in economic development of a region but on the other hand, it is degenerating water, air, soil and natural resources resulting in the degradation of environmental quality (Anjum, 1998). Urban environmental degradation leaves direct impact on the ecology and causes ecological imbalance (Singh, 1996). The most striking reason for the environmental degradation is the changing man and environment relationship. (Dasman, 1976), Shah (2001). Developmental activities in Himalayan region need different treatment and systematic planning.

Paradigm of integrative OMICS of microbial technology towards biorefinery prospects

Climate change, finite natural resources, and increasing population necessitate producing sustainable energy with positive economic growth. Recent advances in OMICS coupled with genome editing and synthetic biology have paved the way for the development of sustainable technologies. These techniques help identify critical genes/pathways and re-construct and redesign biological pathways to develop eco-friendly and economically viable industrial metabolites. With the help of microbial technology, biorefinery-related research is actively pursued in many countries to develop microbial strains, producing varied value-added biochemicals and biofuels. The application of multi-omics data in deciphering key genes, their manipulation, and outcomes implies the domain's potential to find new horizons in biorefineries using microbial factories to produce various biofuels and biorefinery products. This review illustrates OMICS role in developing industrial chemicals and microbial biorefineries. Besides, prospects for genome editing and synthetic biology have been elucidated.

Mega-Projects in Construction: Barriers in the Implementation of Circular Economy Concepts in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

The construction sector has been subjected to scrutiny due to its propensity for waste generation and the extensive utilisation of finite natural resources. In response to these concerns, a transition towards a novel conceptual framework known as circular economy (CE) has been advocated. Nevertheless, the integration of CE principles within the construction domain encounters numerous impediments to its advancement. Despite scholarly recognition of these challenges, scant research has been devoted to elucidating the intricacies associated with the planning and execution of large-scale projects, particularly within developing nations such as the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). This paper intends to fill this gap through the identification and ranking of those barriers encountered when trying to implement CE during construction in KSA. To this end, a comprehensive literature review was completed, alongside a survey conducted amongst 239 participants involved in three mega-projects. A statistical analysis of the data collected was carried out based on the one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). Following this, a relative importance index (RII) was established to rank 24 barriers categorised as major within the sample. The findings revealed the lack of regulation within the construction sector, the lack of education and training, little awareness and guidance on the subject, and the absence of an incentives policy as primary barriers to adopting CE in KSA. The present study endeavours to enhance the comprehension regarding the principles of circular economy (CE) and the attendant challenges encountered during its implementation. The overarching objective is to provide insights that can inform decision-making processes, thereby facilitating the development of robust mitigation strategies and the adoption of best practices.

Audio

Audio

Replacing conventional concentrates with sprouted barley or wheat: Effects on lactational performance, nutrient digestibility, and milk fatty acid profile in dairy cows

Finite natural resources, rising human population, and climate change pose challenges to traditional crop production. Hydroponically grown fodder (i.e., sprouted grains) can be an alternative feed source for dairy cows; however, only sprouted barley has been investigated in low-producing cows. We aimed to evaluate the effect of replacing conventional concentrates with sprouted barley or wheat, grown using hydroponics, on milk production, nutrient digestibility, and milk fatty acid profile in high-producing cows. Twenty-four multiparous Holstein cows (3.25 ± 1.33 lactations; 102 ± 23 DIM; 49 ± 4 kg/d of milk) were used in a replicated 3 × 3 Latin square design with 21-d experimental periods. Following a 2-wk covariate period, cows were fed 1 of 3 experimental diets: a TMR (1) without sprouted grains (control), or with (2) 10% sprouted barley, or (3) 10% sprouted wheat on a DM basis. Experimental diets were formulated to be isoenergetic and isonitrogenous with sprouted grains that replaced ground corn, soybean meal, canola meal, and dextrose. Sprouted grains were grown using a semi-automatic hydroponic system and harvested after 6 d of growth. Data and sample collection occurred during the last 3 d of the covariate and experimental periods. Wide ranges were observed for the DM percent of sprouted grains (12.1%-22.9% and 13.3%-25.7% for barley and wheat, respectively) and the ratio of sprouted fodder to seed (0.67-1.07 for both barley and wheat). Feeding sprouted grains did not modify the yield of milk or ECM; however, DMI were lower for barley, relative to control. Feed efficiencies were greater for barley than for control (1.49 ± 0.03 vs. 1.43 ± 0.03 for milk yield/DMI; 1.85 ± 0.03 vs. 1.73 ± 0.04 for ECM/DMI). Yields and concentrations of milk components (i.e., fat, true protein, and lactose) were not affected by treatment. Milk urea N concentrations were greater for wheat, relative to control or barley. Body weight (752 ± 3 vs. 742 ± 3 kg) and BW gains (6.53 ± 2.99 vs. -9.33 ± 2.91 kg/21 d) were higher for wheat than for control. Apparent total-tract digestibility of organic matter was greater for wheat relative to barley. Digestibilities of NDF and starch were higher for wheat and control, relative to barley, and CP digestibility was greater for wheat, relative to barley and control. Rumination and physical activity were not affected by treatment. In summary, replacing traditional concentrates with sprouted grains grown using hydroponics improved milk production efficiency (barley sprouts) or enhanced body weight gain (wheat sprouts). A life-cycle assessment needs to be conducted to determine the net effect of this feeding strategy for the dairy industry.

Water content estimation of recycled building materials based on near-infrared spectroscopy

Recycling of construction and demolition waste (CDW) is one key component of the circular economy. Reusing construction materials opens the opportunity to preserve finite natural resources and their corresponding landscapes, and also reduces the emission of greenhouse gases.Unfortunately, recycling of CDW is challenging when the new product ought to be used on the same quality level as the demolished one and down-cycling should be avoided. Therefore, the CDW needs to be classified and impurities must be removed. The water content quantification of the recycled aggregates is important because the amount of existing water needs to be known, e.g., when calculating a mixture for recycling concrete. New developments in the classification and the sorting of CDW make use of the information from the spectral range in the visual and infrared region. Therefore, the approach of this study is to examine whether this information can be used to estimate the water content of various CDW materials. Based on reflection measurements in the near-infrared range between 1000nm and 2300nm a mathematical relationship between the spectral measurements and the water content is established. Three estimates for the water content are set up. The mean absorption, the water index, and the absorption difference are later tested on CDW material samples covering concrete, autoclaved aerated concrete, lightweight concrete, brick, roof tile, calcium silicate brick and gypsum.

A Soil Analysis Approach to Assessing Potential Loss of Productive Lands Under Agricultural Land Conversion

Land provides physical space and is usually required for various sectoral developments needed to meet the needs of increasing population. Land is a finite natural resource; thus, conflict arises over land use and development. The strategic location of the municipality of Pura in Tarlac province, Philippines within the urban beltway of Central Luzon and the recent opening of the Tarlac–Pangasinan–La Union Expressway provide Pura excellent opportunities for urban and industrial development. However, the precursor to this is agricultural land conversion (ALC), which can change or reduce in the area of productive lands. This paper assessed the degree of productivity of the agricultural lands in the study area that are predisposed to ALC using FAO’s land suitability framework and the revised Storie index for soil productivity. Soil survey and composite soil sampling at 20 cm depth in the selected 34 sampling points were done to analyze the relevant soil physical and chemical properties. Five soil mapping units (SMU) were grouped based on the soil surface texture. The results show that the SMUs are only marginally suitable (S3f) for producing rice and other crops due to their current low soil organic carbon content. However, these SMUs can be highly suitable (S1) for crop production with appropriate soil management. Using the Storie index, the entire tract of land of Pura has an index rating of 58 percent, which corresponds to a grade 3 soil suitable for planting a number of crops with expected good results. The results of the land suitability evaluation and soil productivity assessment further show that the land in the municipality of Pura is productive, and thus can benefit both agricultural production and ALC. As such, whichever spatial strategy or policy direction for ALC that the municipal government chooses to adopt, the municipality of Pura will lose productive land.

A novel post-weld treatment using nanostructured metallic multilayer for superior fatigue strength

Welded joints exhibit fatigue failure potential from weld geometry and characteristics of the heat affected zone. In order to counteract fatigue, structures and components require larger thicknesses resulting in heavier designs exhausting the finite natural resources. We hereby introduce a novel post-weld treatment, which postpones or even prevents fatigue failure of the welded connection. A Cu/Ni nanostructured metallic multilayer (NMM) is applied via electrodeposition and a 300–600% increase in usable lifetime compared to the untreated weld is observed. A FAT class 190 with a slope of k = 6 is proposed for the design of NMM treated butt welds. Material mechanisms responsible for the fatigue strength increase are introduced herein. A case study shows that the design of offshore wind turbine support structures applying NMM post-weld treatment enables a lifetime extension as well as a 28% weight reduction compared to the structure without post-weld treatment.

Design of an IoT-Based Automatic Switching System Using Blynk Software

Optimizing electrical energy consumption is imperative to preserve ecological balance and conserve finite natural resources. One major contributor to inefficient electrical energy consumption is the indiscriminate use of electronic devices. Lighting systems, for example, fundamental in modern living, are often left on unnecessarily, resulting in substantial energy waste. To address this issue, we've introduced an automatic lighting control system that automates light activation and deactivation based on user-defined schedules, promoting energy efficiency and responsible energy use. The primary objective of our research is to design and deploy a Blynk-controlled IoT-based wireless switch control system that enhances energy efficiency by efficiently managing lighting for example conditions according to user-defined parameters. This approach minimizes energy waste, regulates current supply to lighting fixtures, and encourages responsible electronic device usage. Moreover, the system aligns with government initiatives for sustainable energy use and environmental conservation. This paper delves into the detailed design, development, and practical applications of the IoT-based Blynk-controlled wireless switch control system, emphasizing its technical aspects and underscoring the substantial benefits it offers to users and the environment. Our study represents a significant step towards a more sustainable and energy-efficient future, driven by innovative technology and responsible energy management.

Optimization of an eco-friendly municipal solid waste-to-multi-generation energy scheme integrated by MSW gasification and HSOFC: Regression analysis and machine learning study

The utilization of regression models and machine learning algorithms in waste-to-energy systems has the potential to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of these systems. The predictive capacity to ascertain energy production and optimize operational methodologies can contribute to increased efficacy and proficiency of waste-to-energy systems, thereby diminishing waste generation and fostering the generation of sustainable energy. The gasification technology for Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) provides a multitude of environmental advantages and holds significant importance in safeguarding the environment. This approach entails the use of sustainable and environmentally friendly practices in waste management, which effectively mitigates the release of greenhouse gases while also preserving finite natural resources. Considering the plethora of benefits it offers, it is anticipated that the utilization of MSW gasification as a waste management technique will experience a noticeable surge in popularity in the near future. This study presents a modeling approach for a multi-generation energy system that utilizes municipal solid waste (MSW) gasification technology integrated with a proton conducting solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC). Machine learning algorithms have been devised for the purposes of predicting and optimizing the performance of systems. The heating generation, power generation, electrical efficiency, exergy efficiency, and emission levels of the system have been accurately predicted, exhibiting a substantial level of precision as indicated by R2 values predominantly exceeding 94%. The optimization procedure reveals that the optimal solutions entail a heating generation rate of 854.2 g/s, power generation of 323.6 kW, an electrical efficiency of 40.3%, an exergy efficiency of 36.1%, and an emission rate of 893.5 g/kWs

Unearthing the Construction Industry’s Awareness of and Reactions to the Global Sand Crisis

The United Nations has declared a global sand crisis. The construction industry, as a major user of sand, needs to significantly reduce the use of this finite natural resource. The purpose of this study is to measure the level of awareness of the sand crisis among construction industry professionals, to assess their reactions upon learning of the crisis, and to determine sources of information for those who are aware of the crisis. The Cognitive-Affective-Conative model was applied as the theoretical framework. The study is based on a survey and in-depth interviews with 75 construction industry professionals in the United States and Canada. Analyses included level of awareness by professional role and by reaction, as well as level of awareness by role and by type of information. Results showed that knowledge of the sand crisis was generally low. A content analysis of interview transcripts categorized five reactions to the crisis. These results suggest that generally across all roles, those with more familiarity with the sand crisis had reactions of proactive and feel bad while those with less familiarity expressed curiosity and surprise. Denial was expressed by a few. Recommendations include: First, greater efforts are required to inform construction industry professionals of the need to reduce the use of sand. Second, it is important to determine reactions upon learning of the crisis in order to generate interest and galvanize action. Third, determining the source of knowledge can help assess effective ways of broadly disseminating information to the construction industry.

Development of an IoT-Monitoring and Control System for Solar Panel Surface Temperature Regulation Utilizing Water-Cooling Techniques

As the world's energy needs escalate and the availability of finite natural resources diminishes, there is an urgent need to explore sustainable alternatives. Renewable energy sources, including solar power, hold great promise due to their abundance, cost-effectiveness, and environmental friendliness. Solar panels, a cornerstone of renewable energy, have the potential to provide clean electricity, but their efficiency depends on temperature control. This research addresses this challenge by implementing an Internet of Things (IoT) monitoring and control system using the Blynk platform to regulate solar panel surface temperatures. The system's smart design uses water pumps to mitigate excessive temperatures, improving performance and energy efficiency. Extensive testing demonstrated the system's effectiveness, particularly in mitigating temperature spikes, improving system efficiency and sustainability. Our results demonstrate the remarkable potential of water-cooled systems and IoT technology to revolutionize solar energy harvesting, marking a significant step toward a sustainable energy future.

Beyond legislation: Unpacking land access capability in small-scale mining and its intersections with the agriculture sector in sub-Saharan Africa

The complex relationship between mining and agriculture in Africa is deeply rooted in a complex network of spatial, political, and socio-economic dynamics. In Ghana, for instance, the forest agroecological zone, responsible for 57 % of food crop production, coincides with 61 % of mineral-rich areas. This overlap leads to significant implications, such as competition and conflicts over land, as both livelihood activities rely on a finite natural resource: land. To examine land access politics at the intersections of mining and agriculture using Ghana as a case study, we adopt a unique blend of Amartya Sen's capability approach and political ecology approach. Our study draws on secondary information, on-site observations, and primary data acquired from interviews and focus group discussions with stakeholders in both sectors. Through the lens of political ecology, our research highlights the significant powers of state actors, especially in the mining sector, on land access, exacerbating tensions and conflicts among non-state actors like small-scale miners, smallholder farmers, and traditional authorities. Additionally, by applying the capability approach, we uncover the diverse agency-driven strategies employed by non-state actors, sometimes operating outside existing laws, and we emphasize the competitive dynamics between small-scale miners and smallholder farmers as they vie for land resources to support their economic activities. We therefore argue that the spatial and socio-economic interconnectedness of mining and agriculture is rife with dramatic tensions underpinned by unequal power relations and a hierarchical structure of actors within the two sectors, with potential for zero-sum or worse than zero-sum outcomes for humans and the physical environment at multiple scales.

Use of crushed bricks and recycled concrete as replacement for fine and coarse aggregates for sustainable concrete production

The growing concern over the significant ecological changes requires sustainable developments in all fields. Concrete production is one of the largest consumers of natural resources as it consumes a huge volume of natural fine and coarse aggregates, which constitute 70% - 80% of the concrete volume. It is evident that such large amount of concrete production in the growing construction industry puts significant impact on the use of natural resources and the environment. Hence, investigating the use of recycled materials to replace the finite natural resources became evident and is the focus of researchers. In this research, the use of waste crushed bricks (CB), and crushed recycled concrete (CRC) as a partial replacement of fine and coarse aggregates in concrete was studied. The replacement ratios of 10%, 50%, and 100% by weight of either fine or coarse aggregates were used. Eight concrete mixes with 168 specimens were tested for compressive, splitting tensile as well as, flexural strength. All tests were carried out at ages of 7, 28 and 56 days. The results indicated that there is a feasibility of using bricks and concrete wastes in concrete mix as a partial replacement of course and fine aggregates. It is deduced that a 50% replacement ratio of coarse aggregate with crushed concrete resulted in a 30%, 25%, and 23% increase in compressive, tensile, and flexural strengths, respectively. While 50% replacement ratio of fine aggregate with crushed bricks resulted in a 23%, 28%, and 19% increase in compressive, tensile, and flexural strengths, respectively. The most effective mix was at 50% replacement ratio of coarse aggregate with crushed concrete in combination with 50% replacement ratio of fine aggregate with crushed bricks. The results of this mix showed 32%, 28%, 26% increase in compressive, tensile, and flexural strengths, respectively.

G-OPTIMAL DESIGN OF NON-LINEAR MODEL TO INCREASE PURITY LEVELS OF SILICON DIOXIDE

Silicon Dioxide (SiO2) is one of the most abundant minerals found on earth. SiO2 is widely used in various fields, so its availability as a finite natural resource diminishes. A purity procedure can raise the purity of low-quality silica by altering the temperature and rate of temperature rise. This study aims to obtain the best design for increasing SiO2 levels—the G-optimal design on a non-linear model using the Variable Neighborhood Search (VNS) algorithm. The VNS algorithm employs two types of neighborhoods, one acquired by replacing one design point with a candidate set and the other by replacing two design points with two points in the candidate set. The model used to increase silicon dioxide's purity is a non-linear model that follows the exponential decay distribution. The best design points obtained from the G-optimal design on the relationship between temperature (oC) and the rate of temperature increase (oC/min) 800 oC to 900 oC is a pair of points 800 oC and 1,67 oC /min, 800 oC and 2,17 oC/min, 815 oC and 2,50 oC/min, 825 oC and 2,00 oC/min, 845 oC and 2,34 oC/min, 895 oC and 3,34 oC/min 900 oC and 3,50 oC/min with a G-efficiency of 96,41%.

A brief review on workability characteristics of iron slag concrete

The population growth, industrial development, housing demand & infrastructure upgradation are increasing the need for concrete day by day, consequently exerting an enormous burden on natural resources. Sustainability in the construction industry is of great importance these days as the rate of exploiting natural resources for extracting aggregates and cement is greater than the rate of self-renewal of these natural resources. The practice of recycling the industrial waste in concrete as an approach to preserving finite natural resources is common these days. Also, the use of waste materials decreases the carbon footprints & shows sustainability in the construction industry as an alternative to conventional materials. Iron slag (IS) is one such industrial by-product derived from the iron and steel industries. IS can be processed to resemble the size of natural fine aggregate (NFA) in concrete. The physical characteristics of IS alter the fresh as well as hardened properties of concrete. The workability of concrete is an important aspect while designing any type of blended concrete. This paper briefly reviews some of the workability properties indicating the fresh-state performance of iron/steel slag concrete. The effects of different tests due to slag content are also examined. The present paper encompasses the existing literature on the workability characteristics of concrete made with IS as an NFA supplant. The literature reveals the enhancement in the workability in the concrete when the incorporation of IS with NFA supersede. The contradictory results along with the research gaps and future scopes have also been presented in the present study to provide an in-depth analysis of the effect of IS as an NFA substitution on the fresh-state properties of concrete.

Economic Analysis of Temporal Changes in Land Use Pattern of Western Maharashtra

Land is a finite natural resource, the efficient management of which is vital for economic growth and development of the country. It is required for both agriculture and non-agricultural purposes. An analysis of structural changes in the land use pattern over a period of time provides the scope for planned and judicious management of land. In this connection, the present study on ‘An Economic analysis of temporal changes in land use pattern in Western Maharashtra’ was undertaken. For analysis the secondary sources and the necessary regional level time series data on area under land use categories were compiled from various issues of statistical abstract of Maharashtra and other publications of Government. The entire period of 1960-61 to 2019-20 was decomposed into three periods, viz; pre-liberalization, post-liberalization and overall period. A temporal change in land use pattern was estimated with the per cent change and compound growth rates. The temporal changes in land use dynamics of Western Maharashtra region revealed that, land put to non-agricultural uses, miscellaneous tree crops and groves, current fallow and fallows other than current fallow showed an increased trend while, area under forest, barren and uncultivable land, cultivable waste and net area sown registered a decline during Period-II. It is suggested that, during Period-II, the average proportion of forest land is 14.72 per cent, which is far less than the necessary percentage i.e., 33 per cent. Therefore, necessary steps may be taken by the state government in order to restore and maintain ecological balance. Land put to non-agricultural uses inclined throughout all the periods under study indicating an alarming situation. Majority of this conversion to land put to non-agricultural uses has taken place of agricultural land. Hence, the state government may prepare suitable policies controlling conversion of agricultural land, particularly.