Environmental and Socio-Economic Survey

Year: IV Semester: VII

Course Objectives:

a. To provide knowledge of the history, culture, economic, and environmental situation of an area, and the analysis of data on socio-economic and environmental conditions.
b. To prepare socio-economic and environmental maps of an area and analyze data using GIS.

Course Contents:

1. Introduction to Socio-economic Survey (8 hrs)

1.1 History
1.2 Geography
1.3 Climate
1.4 Soil
1.5 Topography
1.6 Population
1.7 Culture
1.8 Infrastructure
1.9 Agriculture
1.10 Industries
1.11 Natural Resources
1.12 Tourism
1.13 Poverty
1.14 Gender Equity
1.15 Distribution of Natural Resources
1.16 Employment

2. Sample of Data (7 hrs)

2.1 Distribution
2.2 Sample Size
2.3 Method of Collection
2.4 Sample Analysis
2.5 Legislation

3. Data Collection and Analysis (5 hrs)

3.1 Data Compilation
3.2 Data Analysis
3.3 Cost-Benefit Analysis
3.4 Presentation of Spatial Data
3.5 Use of Socio-economic Survey and GIS

4. Introduction to Environmental Study (5 hrs)

4.1 Definition
4.2 Scope
4.3 Importance
4.4 Need for Public Awareness

5. Natural Resources (5 hrs)

5.1 Renewable Resources
5.2 Non-Renewable Resources

6. Biodiversity (10 hrs)

6.1 Biodiversity and its Conservation
6.1.1 Introduction
6.1.2 Value of Biodiversity
6.1.3 Biodiversity at Global, National, and Local Levels
6.1.4 Conservation of Biodiversity
6.2 Environmental Legislation
6.2.1 National Environmental Policy
6.2.2 Environment Protection Act
6.2.3 Environment Protection Regulations
6.2.4 Initial Environmental Examination (IEE)
6.2.5 Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)
6.2.6 Social Impact Assessment (SIA)

7. Environmental Pollution (5 hrs)

7.1.1 Air Pollution
7.1.2 Water Pollution
7.1.3 Soil Pollution
7.1.4 Climate Change
7.1.5 Solid Waste Management
7.1.6 Liquid Waste Management
7.1.7 Noise Pollution

Practical Exercises:

• Site visit of a Treatment Plant.
• Site visit of any landfilling Project area.

Recommended Books:

1. Environmental Assessment Sourcebook, The World Bank.
2. Environmental Strategies, Canadian International Development Agency.
3. National Reports for the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development.
4. Glen Heldrith, Summary Report, LRMP, Survey Department-Nepal 1986.

Examination Scheme

Model Questions

Very Short Questions [4×2 = 8]

1. How do you define economy?
2. Define Sample Design.
3. Define Endemic species.
4. Define Buffer zone.

Short Questions [8×4 = 32]

5. A socio-economic survey is regarded as one of the most important sources of statistical data. Justify the statement.
6. Define economy? Explain the indicators of good economic growth of a country.
7. What is Public Infrastructure? Explain with examples.
8. Explain the importance of choosing appropriate sampling.
9. What is pollution and pollutants? Discuss the sources of pollution. Define and illustrate point and non-point sources with examples and figures.
10. Define land pollution. Discuss the sources of land pollution and control measures for land pollution.
11. Define Noise. Describe briefly the sources of noise pollution and the ambient noise levels at different zones. What are the techniques for reducing noise levels?
12. Define cultural heritage. Describe briefly the heritage sites and world heritage sites in Nepal.

Long Questions [2×10 = 20]

13. Define sampling method. Describe Sampling Methods, Types, Techniques with Examples.
14. Describe briefly the methods of biodiversity conservation in Nepal and list the national parks and wildlife reserves.