India suffers from severe environmental problems with respect to deforestation, flooding, and pollution. These problems are associated with industrialization, lack of money to enforce anti-pollution practices, climatic and population pressures, and cultural factors. Half of India's forests have been cut in the last 40 years. Deforestation is the result of the need for wood for manufacturing and fuel, and the expansion of farmlands. India is prone to both drought and floods, and soil erosion also is a serious problem. Air pollution in both urban and rural areas, originating from fires, factories, and automobiles causes a high national incidence of respiratory and other diseases. Seventy percent of available water in India is badly polluted. Rivers and wells are contaminated by human and industrial waste, causing widespread occurrence of water-related disease. Increased reduction of animal species is yet another environmental problem. The lack of resources to deal effectively with environmental problems and the influence of Indian cultural factors seriously hinder solving these problems. Necessary solutions will require substantial effort and resources. (AS)