The book is a comprehensive volume that bridges ancient Indian environmental knowledge with contemporary ecological science, offering a unique and holistic perspective on environmental stewardship. Drawing from diverse disciplines such as hydrology, Vedic literature, ecology, biodiversity, environmental engineering, geospatial technologies, waste management, Ayurveda, and climate policy, this book provides a multidimensional understanding of how traditional wisdom and modern research can together address today’s environmental challenges.

The chapters, contributed by renowned academicians and researchers, explore themes such as ancient water purification techniques, sacred groves, natural farming, aquatic ecosystem conservation, biotic–abiotic interactions, environmental modelling, wastewater treatment technologies, and sustainability in medicinal plant systems. The volume also highlights emerging concerns like water scarcity, environmental pollution, climate change, and the sustainable development goals (SDGs), while proposing practical, integrative approaches grounded in scientific evidence and cultural heritage.

One of the book’s core strengths lies in its ability to harmonize Vedic ecological philosophies with modern environmental science, offering readers a balanced pathway to sustainable living and resource conservation. It emphasizes both community-based environmental ethics and advanced analytical tools such as geospatial mapping, biochar technologies, nexus approaches, and ecological modelling.

Designed for students, researchers, environmental professionals, policymakers, and practitioners, this book serves as a valuable academic resource and a practical guide for sustainable environmental management. Its transdisciplinary nature makes it equally relevant for those interested in traditional ecological knowledge, natural resource management, ecosystem restoration, and climate-resilient development.

Through its integration of ancient insights and contemporary scientific advancements, the book aspires to contribute meaningfully to global dialogues on environmental sustainability and ecological harmony.

Professor D. S. Malik: Professor, Department of Zoology and Environmental Science
Gurukula Kangri (Deemed to be University), Haridwar, Uttarakhand

Prof. D. S. Malik is a distinguished academician with 28 years of teaching and research experience in aquatic biodiversity and conservation in the North Himalayan region. He has published more than 175 research papers in reputed national and international journals and supervised 29 Ph.D. scholars. Prof. Malik has successfully completed major research projects funded by UGC, UCOST, DST, and NMCG, Government of India.

He currently serves as Deputy Nodal Officer for the research project “Development of Natural Farming Model Unit.” His international exposure includes academic visits to Mauritius, Oman, Germany, Italy, the United States, and other countries. Prof. Malik is widely recognized for his contributions to hydrology, aquatic ecology, and environmental management.

Professor Namita Joshi: Professor, Department of Zoology and Environmental Science
Dean, Faculty of Life Sciences, Gurukula Kangri (Deemed to be University), Haridwar, Uttarakhand

Prof. Namita Joshi has 28 years of teaching and over 31 years of research experience. Her expertise lies in soil science and water pollution. She has authored or co-authored six books and published 122 research papers in national and international journals of high repute.

Under her supervision, 20 research scholars and 278 dissertation students have successfully completed their degrees. She has participated in around 50 conferences and seminars, completed two research projects, and is a member of five academic societies.

Prof. Joshi is presently serving as Head, Department of Zoology and Environmental Science, and Dean, Faculty of Life Sciences, contributing significantly to academic leadership, curriculum development, and institutional growth.

Dr. Gagan Matta: Associate Professor, Department of Zoology and Environmental Science, Gurukula Kangri (Deemed to be University), Haridwar, Uttarakhand

Dr. Gagan Matta is an eminent environmental scientist with more than 18 years of research and 14 years of teaching experience. He specializes in water quality indexing, limnology, aquatic ecology, environmental toxicology, pollution studies, and green audits.

He holds a Ph.D. in Environmental Science from GKU and has authored 6 books, edited 18 books, published over 90 research papers, and contributed 18 book chapters. He has received 14 research grants, seven copyrights, and prestigious recognitions including the Scientist of the Year Award – 2023.

Dr. Matta has supervised 8 Ph.D. scholars and 31 M.Sc. dissertations, and has delivered invited lectures internationally in the UK, Italy, and China. His work in environmental policy, sustainability communication, and academic program development makes him a celebrated figure in environmental sciences.

Dr. Rakesh Bhutiani: Associate Professor, Department of Zoology and Environmental Science, Gurukula Kangri (Deemed to be University), Haridwar, Uttarakhand

Dr. Rakesh Bhutiani has 20 years of teaching and 25 years of research experience, with specialization in Limnology, Ecological Modelling, Water and Wastewater Treatment Technology, and Environmental Microbiology.

He has guided seven Ph.D. scholars and is currently supervising six more. Additionally, he has mentored 34 M.Sc. dissertations and published over 135 research articles in reputed journals.

Dr. Bhutiani has authored or edited more than 25 books and holds two patents, reflecting his contributions to environmental innovation. He serves as Executive Editor of the Environment Conservation Journal and Review Editor of Biogeography and Macroecology.

Beyond academia, Dr. Bhutiani holds the rank of Major in the National Cadet Corps (NCC), demonstrating strong leadership and national service.

Dr. Nitin Kamboj: Associate Professor, Department of Zoology and Environmental Science, Gurukula Kangri (Deemed to be University), Haridwar, Uttarakhand

Dr. Nitin Kamboj joined the department in 2006 and possesses 19 years of teaching and 25 years of research experience in natural resource management, environmental conservation, and watershed studies.

He has published over 50 research papers in reputed national and international journals and authored seven books. Dr. Kamboj has served as Organizing Secretary for 18 national and international workshops and conferences.

He has supervised six Ph.D. scholars and more than 30 M.Sc. dissertation students. He successfully completed a research project funded by UCOST and currently serves as the Convenor of the NMCG-funded project “Development of Natural Farming Model Unit.”

Dr. Kamboj has represented the university internationally at the International Congress of Environmental Research, Reduit University of Mauritius.

Section I: Foundations of Environmental Wisdom

Chapter 01. The Water Wisdom of Ancient India: Exploring Hydrology Through Vedic and Cultural Insights Ayush Kukreti, D.S. Malik, S.S. Rawat, and Smriti Rawat

Chapter 02.Sacred Groves: History and Their Relevance in the Anthropogenic Era Sachin Rawat and Namita Joshi

Chapter 03.Vedic Literature and Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene: Impact on Human Health Sonali Aswal and Nitin Kamboj

Chapter 04.Conservation of Land Through Natural Farming in Vedic Philosophy Vishal Bhardwaj and Nitin Kamboj

Chapter 05.Environmental Stewardship in the Vedas: A Blueprint for Modern Conservation Sheetal Rani, Vinod Kumar, Shweta, Rahul Gandhi, and Akansha Rana

Chapter 06.Foundations of Vedic Agriculture: Principles and Practices Rahul Gandhi, Sheetal Rani, Shweta, Akansha Rana, and Vinod Kumar

Chapter 07.Women’s Education in the Vedic Era: Insights and Interpretations Akansha Rana, Sunil Kumar, Vinod Kumar, Sheetal Rani, Rahul Gandhi, and Shweta

Chapter 08.Water Purification Techniques in the Ancient Vedic Period Shweta, Vinod Kumar, Sheetal Rani, Rahul Gandhi, and Akansha Rana

Section II: Traditional Knowledge and Sustainable Practices

Chapter 09.Vermicomposting: A Vedic Perspective on Sustainable Waste Management Megha Sharma and Nitin Kamboj

Chapter 10.Ancient Cultural and Spiritual Practices Associated with Copper: A Perspective for Health Problem Mitigation Himanshu Saini, Nitin Kamboj, and Amrit Kumar

Chapter 11.Sacred Groves: Reflections on the Traditional Indigenous Practice of Conserving Ecology in the Central Himalayas Reetesh Sah and Poonam Goswami

Section III: Modern Environmental Management Systems

Chapter 12.The Potential of Biochar-Enhanced Constructed Wetlands and Biofilters in Sustainable Wastewater Treatment and Ecological Restoration Bharti Sadhiyan and Sangeeta Madan

Chapter 13.Modern Technologies for Sustainable Waste Management Shweta, Vinod Kumar, Sheetal Rani, Rahul Gandhi, and Akansha Rana

Chapter 14.Environmental Modeling: A Mathematical Approach for Environmental Conservation Rajendra Kumar and Vishal Kumar

Chapter 15.Enhanced Pollutant Removal from Wastewater Using Modified Biochar: A Sustainable and Cost-Effective Approach Ritika Maurya and Sangeeta Madan

Chapter 16.Solid Waste and Management S. L. Pal

Chapter 17.Environmental Movements S. L. Pal

Section IV: Ecology, Biodiversity, and Climate

Chapter 18.Biotic and Abiotic Factors: Interactions of Temperature and Light S. L. Pal

Chapter 19.Biodiversity and Climate Change Vikas Saini

Chapter 20.Physico-Chemical Characteristics of Ground Water in the Ganga Basin Ujjwal Gulaiya, Gaurav Pant, Pawan Kumar, Pooja, and Shivangi Tyagi

Chapter 21.Integrating Geospatial Technologies into Water–Energy–Biodiversity Nexus Solutions Gaurav Pant, Gagan Matta, and Pawan Kumar

Chapter 22.Water Footprint and Sustainability in Medicinal Plant Cultivation and Processing:  trategies for Resource Conservation and Green Innovation Akansha Bisht, Aditi Bisht, and Vishal Kamboj

Chapter 23.Climate Change Policy: The ‘Community’ Approach Ashish Lambat