Environmental pollution has emerged as one of the most pressing issues in the contemporary geography of India. With rapid industrialization, urban expansion, and population growth, the environmental costs have escalated dramatically. Pollution, in its various forms—air, water, soil, noise, and even light—has severely impacted the ecological balance, human health, and the sustainable development agenda of the country. This article presents an in-depth examination of the environmental pollution issues affecting India today, along with regional patterns, causes, consequences, and mitigation strategies.
1. Air Pollution in India
Air pollution is arguably the most visible and hazardous form of environmental degradation in India. It is primarily caused by vehicle emissions, industrial discharges, biomass burning, construction dust, and thermal power plants.
Key Causes of Air Pollution:
- Vehicular Emissions: Rapid urbanization has increased the number of motor vehicles, especially in metropolitan areas like Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru.
- Industrial Emissions: Factories located in industrial belts such as in Ghaziabad, Kanpur, and Ludhiana release sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10).
- Agricultural Burning: Stubble burning in Punjab and Haryana leads to severe smog episodes in northern India, particularly during winter months.
| City | PM2.5 (Annual Avg, µg/m3) | Main Sources |
|---|---|---|
| Delhi | 112 | Vehicles, biomass burning, dust |
| Ghaziabad | 110 | Industrial emissions, traffic |
| Kanpur | 95 | Tannery pollution, road dust |
| Patna | 92 | Biomass, construction dust |
| Lucknow | 89 | Industrial discharge, vehicle use |
2. Water Pollution
Water pollution in India is a growing concern, with major rivers like the Ganga, Yamuna, and Brahmaputra bearing the brunt of untreated sewage, industrial effluents, and religious activities.
Sources of Water Pollution:
- Domestic Sewage: Over 70% of sewage in India is untreated and dumped directly into water bodies.
- Industrial Waste: Industries discharge heavy metals and chemicals into rivers and lakes.
- Agricultural Runoff: Fertilizers and pesticides find their way into water bodies, contaminating them.
- Religious Practices: Immersion of idols and mass bathing during festivals contribute to pollution.
| River | States Affected | BOD (mg/L) | Main Pollutants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ganga | Uttarakhand to Bengal | 6.0 | Sewage, industrial waste |
| Yamuna | Delhi, Haryana, UP | 7.5 | Domestic sewage, industrial effluent |
| Sabarmati | Gujarat | 5.8 | Industrial chemicals |
| Godavari | Maharashtra, AP | 4.9 | Urban runoff, religious waste |
| Brahmaputra | Assam, Arunachal | 3.2 | Agricultural runoff |
3. Soil Pollution
Soil pollution is often overlooked but is critical due to its impact on food security and health. In India, unregulated use of pesticides, fertilizers, and industrial dumping leads to soil degradation.
Causes of Soil Pollution:
- Chemical Fertilizers and Pesticides: Excessive use of chemicals in the Green Revolution belt (Punjab, Haryana, Western UP) has degraded soil fertility.
- Industrial Dumping: Mining and industrial waste leads to the accumulation of heavy metals.
- Plastic Waste: Non-biodegradable plastic residues reduce soil porosity and fertility.
Table 3: Regions with High Soil Pollution in India
| Region | Causes | Impacts |
|---|---|---|
| Punjab & Haryana | Agrochemicals overuse | Declining crop yield, soil salinity |
| Korba (Chhattisgarh) | Industrial coal ash | Heavy metal contamination |
| Vapi (Gujarat) | Chemical industrial waste | Cancer-causing soil compounds |
| Dhanbad (Jharkhand) | Mining activities | Soil erosion, nutrient depletion |
4. Noise Pollution
Although not as visually apparent, noise pollution has become a serious urban concern, especially in metropolitan cities.
Major Sources:
- Traffic and Honking: Unregulated traffic and honking exceed safe decibel levels.
- Industrial Noise: Machines in manufacturing areas add to ambient noise levels.
- Public Events: Loudspeakers and fireworks during festivals disturb local environments.
Health Impacts:
- Hearing loss
- Stress and anxiety
- Cardiovascular problems
- Sleep disorders
5. Light and Visual Pollution
This is an emerging issue in urban India, where the overuse of lighting impacts both humans and biodiversity.
Impacts:
- Disruption of human circadian rhythms
- Hindrance to astronomical studies
- Effects on nocturnal animal species
6. Regional Pattern of Pollution in India
Environmental pollution is not uniformly distributed across India. Specific regions show distinct types and intensities of pollution based on economic activity, geography, and urbanization.
List of Key Regional Observations:
- North India: Severe air pollution due to stubble burning and industrial zones.
- Central India: High soil pollution due to mining.
- Eastern India: Water pollution in the Ganga and its tributaries.
- Southern India: Urban water stress and plastic pollution.
- Western India: High industrial air and water pollution (e.g., Vapi, Ankleshwar).
7. Government Policies and Legal Framework
India has a comprehensive legal and policy framework to tackle environmental pollution.
Major Laws and Acts:
- Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981
- Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974
- Environment Protection Act, 1986
- National Green Tribunal (NGT) Act, 2010
Key Government Initiatives:
- National Clean Air Programme (NCAP): Targets PM2.5 and PM10 reduction by 20-30%.
- Namami Gange Programme: Aims to clean and rejuvenate River Ganga.
- Swachh Bharat Abhiyan: Focuses on urban cleanliness and waste management.
- Pollution Control Boards (CPCB & SPCBs): Monitor and regulate pollution levels.
