Environmental Issues and Pollution

Pollution is the introduction of harmful materials into the environment. These pollutants can be naturally occurring (like volcanic ash) but are overwhelmingly anthropogenic. We will examine the major vectors of pollution through specific, recurring crises in India.

1. Air Pollution: The Delhi Smog Crisis

Every winter, the National Capital Region (NCR) of India experiences hazardous levels of air pollution, specifically high concentrations of Particulate Matter (PM 2.5 and PM 10).

• Primary Causes: Vehicular emissions, construction dust, and thermal power plants.
• Regional Catalyst (Stubble Burning): During October and November, farmers in neighboring Punjab and Haryana burn crop residue (Parali) to quickly clear fields for the winter wheat crop. The prevailing winter winds carry this smoke directly into the landlocked NCR, trapping it due to temperature inversion.
• Mitigation: The introduction of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) and the push towards BS-VI emission norms.

2. Water Pollution: The Ganga Action Plan

The Ganges is a lifeline for hundreds of millions but suffers from severe biological and chemical contamination.

• Primary Causes: Discharge of untreated municipal sewage, industrial effluents (particularly from tanneries in Kanpur), and religious offerings/corpse disposal.
• Mitigation: The Namami Gange Programme, an integrated conservation mission launched in 2014 by the Union Government to accomplish the twin objectives of effective abatement of pollution, conservation, and rejuvenation of the National River Ganga.

3. Waste Management: Solid, Biomedical, and E-Waste

India is grappling with an escalating waste management crisis due to rapid urbanization.