This collection of 14 articles, published over the years in the Sociological Bulletin, attempts to address the crucial issues concerning environment in India. It deals with population pressure, migration, technological changes, the changes in land-use patterns for livelihood practices, and depletion and destruction of resources due to mega projects in the country.

Explaining demographical approach to the study of urban ecology, it analyses the ecology and development in India, the role of environment in sociological theory, and displacement and rehabilitation. It also discusses at length the forest legislations, livelihood strategies, and effectiveness of water panchayats.