Carrying Capacity Study of Teesta Basin in Sikkim - Affected ...

1.1 OBJECTIVE OF THE STUDY
INTRODUCTION
The concept of Carrying Capacity encompasses the need for
improvement in the quality of life of human society and its sustenance.
Sustainable development shall meet the needs of the present generation
without compromising with the ability of future generations to meet their
requirements and aspirations. It is a process in which the utilisation of
resources, the investment made and institutional changes are consistent
with future as well as present needs. Thus the concept of Carrying
Capacity broadly implies improvement in the quality of life which is
possible only when the pattern and levels of production and consumer
activities are compatible with the capacities of natural environment as
well as social preferences. In keeping with the said purpose, the present
study aims to take stock of the existing quality of life, the perceived
scenario and the aspired scenario so that the scope and limits of growth
can be chalked out. It is to be kept in mind that Carrying Capacity can
not be indefinitely elastic and a limit is indicated by the optimum level of
generation/regeneration of any resource.
The role of water resources in the environment is paramount. It is
recognised that water is a scarce and precious natural resource to be
planned, developed and conserved in an integrated and environmentally