U Aswatha Narayana
Any pathway for economic progress has to be both knowledge-driven, and job-led. Waters, soils and minerals constitute the most significant natural resources. Their use did provide immense benefits to the community, but there is a flip side to the picture in the form of severe environmental degradation, with adverse consequences on health and quality of life. The book draws attention to ways and means of using science and technology innovatively to optimize the benefits of resource use, while avoiding or at least minimizing, the adverse impact through practices such as the beneficial use of wastes. Also, the volume could serve as instructional material to give end-use orientation. The book not only gives an account of the problems in the management of natural resources, but also draws attention to the new technologies that are available to remedy the situation. It will be useful to university students and professionals in the area of natural resources management, earth and environmental sciences and technologies, agriculture, ecology, civil engineering, geography, sociology, etc. 3
