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Claude Alvares is a distinguished environmentalist from Goa and the editor of Other India Press, an India-based publication. He also serves as the Director of the Goa Foundation, an influential environmental action group. Claude earned his PhD from Technische Hogeschool, Eindhoven, in the Netherlands, in 1976. He resides in Parra, Goa, with his wife, Padma Shri Norma Alvares, an environmental lawyer, and their three children.
Throughout his career, Claude Alvares has tackled numerous environmental issues, some of which have reached the Supreme Court of India, particularly those related to mining. He is a member of the Goa Coastal Zone Management Authority under the Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF) and also serves on the Supreme Court Monitoring Committee (SCMC) on Hazardous Wastes.
For over 25 years, Dr. Alvares has led the Goa Foundation in advocating for environmental causes, often taking issues to the High Courts of India in the public interest. One of the Foundation’s most significant achievements was a petition to the Supreme Court that led to the closure of Goa’s entire mining industry.
What is the Job all about?
Environmental protection is a daunting task, akin to battling a hydra-headed monster that threatens to consume everything in its path. On one front, industrialization releases toxic waste into fields, lakes, rivers, and streams, making agriculture difficult or unproductive. This pollution depletes fish populations, diminishing a vital food source. A stark example in Goa was Zuari Industries, which contaminated fields, rivers, and the sea until local communities demanded action, leading to the implementation of safeguards to treat effluents before disposal.
Another troubling aspect of industrialization is the proliferation of slums, now present in all major cities and near large industrial complexes. The lack of effective sewage disposal creates cesspools of stagnant water, breeding mosquitoes and other pests. Poor sanitation invites rodents and exacerbates public health issues.
The arrival of casinos in Goa has also raised concerns about waste management—where is this waste being dumped? Into the Mandovi River? If so, the quality of the fish we consume becomes highly questionable.
Further pollution comes from vehicle exhaust fumes, discarded plastic bottles littering the streets, and hazardous hospital waste, including syringes, needles, and bandages. Even trains contribute to the problem, with their toilets discharging directly onto the ground, creating unique pollution challenges.
Environmental protection requires confronting these diverse and complex issues, demanding constant vigilance and proactive measures to safeguard our environment and public health.
You can choose from several paths to address the pressing challenges facing humanity:
• Biologists study the effects of environmental changes on living organisms.
• Bacteriologists, Biochemists, Botanists, and Horticulturists focus on developing safer pesticides and herbicides.
• Microbiologists, Mycologists, and Toxicologists specialize in the chemical aspects of environmental health.
• Chemists, Ecologists, Soil Scientists, Foresters, and Aqua Culturists work in various fields related to environmental management.
• Environmental Scientists explore earth processes, evaluate alternative energy systems, and work on pollution control, resource management, and understanding the effects of global climate change. They address issues involving the interaction of physical, chemical, and biological processes.
• Environmental Engineers design waste disposal systems, create better roads and vehicles to reduce exhaust emissions, and develop solutions to keep rivers and streams clean while minimizing pollution from manufacturing.
• Environmental Lawyers ensure strict enforcement of pollution laws.
• Medical Experts develop drugs to combat diseases related to environmental factors.
• Social Scientists educate the public on environmental issues and necessary precautions.
• Teachers guide students in understanding and addressing environmental challenges.
• Social Workers advocate for environmental causes, often representing these issues in court.
• Inspectors, such as Police Officers and Health Officials, ensure compliance with environmental laws.
Can I go for it?
If you’re passionate about the environment and capable of thinking clearly about the steps needed to improve it, you have the potential to thrive in this field. Success requires a logical mind, scientific aptitude, and a solid foundation in subjects like geography, geology, botany, chemistry, and zoology. Strong communication skills, both written and spoken, are also crucial for effectively advocating for environmental causes.
Is there a future in this Career?
Absolutely. The demand for environmental professionals is growing, particularly in regions like Goa, which faces challenges such as illegal mining, indiscriminate waste disposal, and noise and air pollution. The Department of Science, Technology & Environment (DST&E) in Goa is actively involved in addressing these issues through various initiatives. These include environmental awareness programs, the promotion of science and technology projects, renewable energy initiatives, and the enforcement of environmental protection and pollution control laws.
Key Agencies and Authorities Involved:
• Goa State Pollution Control Board (GSPCB) – https://goaspcb.gov.in/
• Goa Coastal Zone Management Authority (GCZMA) – https://www.czma.goa.gov.in/
• Goa State Biodiversity Board (GSBB) – https://gsbb.goa.gov.in/
• Goa State Council of Science & Technology (GSCS&T)
• Goa Energy Development Agency (GEDA)
• Goa Environment Protection Council (GEPC)
How to qualify?
In Goa
• After completing 10+2 with subjects like Biology, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, or Biotechnology, pursue a B.Sc. or M.Sc. in fields such as Zoology, Botany, Chemistry, or Mathematics.
• The Department of Marine Science at the University of Goa offers an M.Sc. program with specializations in Physical Oceanography, Marine Chemistry, Marine Biology, and Marine Geology. They also offer a Ph.D. program in Marine Sciences. For more details, visit: http://www.unigoa.ac.in/
Outside Goa:
A range of courses are available for those interested in environmental science:
Undergraduate Degrees:
• B.Sc. in Environmental Science
• B.E. in Environmental Engineering
Postgraduate Degrees:
• M.Sc. in Environmental Science with specializations in Environmental Biology, Environmental Toxicology, or Environmental Management
• M.Phil. and M.Tech. in Environmental Engineering
Diploma Courses:
• Specialized programs in ecology, pollution monitoring and control, impact assessment, environmental education and law, and environmental management.
In Karnataka:
• The University of Bangalore offers an M.Sc. in Environmental Science.
In Maharashtra:
• Pune University offers an M.Sc. in Environmental Science
• Bharati Vidyapeeth, Pune
• Shivaji University, Kolhapur and Aurangabad
• Marathwada University offers similar programs
• IIT offers an M.Tech. in Environmental Science and Engineering
• S.I.E.S College, Mumbai offers a program in Environmental Management
Employment avenues:
There is a strong demand for professionals in this field, given the numerous agencies dedicated to environmental monitoring and protection. Research offers diverse opportunities in both government and private sectors.
Salary:
• Government Sector: Salaries are based on the Seventh Pay Commission scales for scientists.
• Private Sector: Salaries can range from ₹25,000 to ₹2 lakhs per month, depending on qualifications and experience.
Don’t settle for just a degree or diploma — enhance your CV by completing online learning programs with certification in areas relevant to your chosen career. This will significantly improve your employment prospects compared to holding only a basic qualification. Additionally, consider boosting your confidence by enrolling in public speaking courses, such as those offered by Toastmasters International.
For government jobs: please check : www.employment-newspaper.com
page updated: August 2024