Meghan Hodges
India is one of the most polluted countries in the world, and pollution is a significant environmental and health issue. The country faces a wide range of pollution challenges, including air, water, soil, noise, plastic, and thermal pollution. India's air pollution problem has gained considerable media attention, with the country recording average PM2.5 concentrations of roughly 50 micrograms per cubic meter of air in 2022, 10 times higher than the World Health Organization's recommended limit. However, India's water and land resources are also under considerable strain due to pollution. This paragraph will discuss the various types of pollution impacting India and explore the causes and consequences of each type.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Types of pollution | Air, water, soil, noise, radiation |
| Leading causes of air pollution | Crop residue burning, vehicles, industrial processes, electricity generation, fuelwood and biomass burning, construction dust and debris |
| Government initiatives to combat air pollution | National Clean Air Programme, Bharat Stage VI (BS-VI) emissions standards, vehicle scrappage policy, National Air Quality Index, The Great Green Wall of Aravalli |
| Health impact of air pollution | Respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, congenital abnormalities, fertility problems, asthma |
| Economic impact of air pollution | Lost output from premature deaths and morbidity attributable to air pollution accounted for US$36.8 billion in economic losses in 2019 |
| Water pollution sources | Plastic pollution, untreated sewage, industrial activities, landfill sites, chemical fertilizers and pesticides in agriculture |
| Land pollution causes | Agriculture, deforestation, mining |
| Noise pollution | Moradabad, Uttar Pradesh recorded the highest maximum noise level at 114 decibels in a 2022 United Nations Environment Programme report |
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What You'll Learn
- Air pollution: from industrial and vehicular emissions, construction, and biomass burning
- Water pollution: untreated sewage and industrial waste contaminate water bodies
- Noise pollution: from traffic, loudspeakers, and religious places
- Radiation pollution: uranium mining has caused health issues in surrounding areas
- Soil pollution: trash and garbage piled on streets and dumped in rivers
Air pollution: from industrial and vehicular emissions, construction, and biomass burning
India faces pollution challenges in air, water, soil, and land resources, as well as radiation and noise pollution. In 2019, India was ranked seventh among the countries most affected by climate change. Of the 30 most polluted cities in the world, 21 were in India in 2019, and a study based on 2016 data found that at least 140 million people in India breathe air that is 10 times or more over the WHO safe limit.
The main contributors to India's air pollution include industrial and vehicular emissions, construction dust and debris, biomass burning, dependence on thermal power for electricity, waste burning, and the use of wood and dung for cooking and heating by low-income and rural households.
Vehicular emissions are a significant source of air pollution in India, worsened by fuel adulteration and poor fuel combustion due to traffic congestion. Traffic gridlock in cities like Delhi results in a build-up of local pollution, and at low speeds, vehicles emit air pollutants 4 to 8 times more than they would with less traffic congestion. The transport sector contributes about 7% of India's PM2.5 emissions.
Industrial pollution is another major contributor, accounting for about 37% of PM2.5 emissions. India has the world's second-largest fleet of coal-based power plants, and industries use pollution control devices to limit emissions. However, enforcement of environmental regulations has faced challenges due to resource constraints, civil non-compliance, and corruption.
Biomass burning, including fuelwood, crop residue, and dung cakes, is a significant source of air pollution in India, particularly in rural areas. These fuels are used in over 100 million households for cooking and heating, releasing carbon-containing gases that are highly reactive. Biomass burning contributes about 48% of India's PM2.5 emissions and is the primary reason for the near-permanent haze and smoke observed over the country.
Construction dust and debris are also major contributors to India's air pollution, especially in cities. Trash and garbage are commonly seen in urban and rural areas, with Indian cities generating over 100 million tons of solid waste annually.
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Water pollution: untreated sewage and industrial waste contaminate water bodies
Water pollution is a pressing issue in India, with untreated sewage and industrial waste contaminating water bodies and causing significant harm to the environment and public health. India's water pollution crisis has detrimental effects on both ecological and economic fronts, impacting aquatic life and human well-being.
The discharge of untreated sewage into rivers and other water bodies is the largest source of water pollution in India. Major cities in India produce an enormous amount of sewage, approximately 38,354 million litres per day (MLD), yet the urban sewage treatment capacity falls far short, managing only 11,786 MLD. This disparity results in the release of untreated sewage, leading to severe contamination of water sources. The Yamuna River in Delhi, for instance, suffers from severe pollution due to domestic sewage and industrial waste.
Industrial activities further exacerbate water pollution in India. Effluents from industries, such as chemical plants, tanneries, and textile factories, often contain toxic chemicals and heavy metals. The discharge of these industrial wastewaters into water bodies contaminates both surface and groundwater sources. Inadequate wastewater infrastructure and the lack of proper treatment facilities result in the majority of wastewater being released untreated, posing health and environmental risks.
Agricultural runoff is another significant contributor to water pollution in India. The excessive use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides in agriculture contaminates water sources, with pesticides banned worldwide due to their environmental damage still being used in India. Groundwater contamination affects both rural and urban areas, with 276 districts in India exceeding permissible limits of fluoride, arsenic, and nitrate, according to a CPCB study.
The consequences of water pollution in India are dire. Contaminated water is a leading cause of waterborne diseases, including cholera, typhoid, and hepatitis, resulting in illnesses, hospitalizations, and even deaths. Additionally, pollutants like heavy metals, pesticides, and industrial chemicals harm aquatic ecosystems, disrupting the natural balance and causing ecological damage.
To address the water pollution crisis, India has been working to improve its sewage treatment infrastructure. Efforts to encourage the reuse and recycling of treated wastewater in agriculture and industry aim to reduce the strain on groundwater resources. The development of approximately 815 sewage treatment plants (STPs) in recent years has increased the percentage of urban sewage treated from 37% in 2015 to 50% in 2021. While progress is being made, continued investment and effective interventions are necessary to mitigate water pollution and ensure safe and sustainable water resources for India's population.
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Noise pollution: from traffic, loudspeakers, and religious places
India is facing a growing number of pollution-related issues, including noise pollution. Noise pollution is detrimental at 75 dB and agonizing at 120 dB. Research shows that noise levels above 65 dB can cause insomnia, with nighttime ambient noise beyond 30 dB preventing restful sleep.
Traffic noise is a major contributor to noise pollution in India, with car horns reaching 90 dB and bus horns 100 dB. The average trip speed on many Indian city roads is less than 20 kilometres per hour, resulting in vehicles emitting air pollutants 4 to 8 times more than they would with less traffic congestion. This congestion also leads to higher noise pollution levels. In 2008, the Mumbai Police and Awaaz Foundation staged the first "No Honking Day" in Mumbai, where 16,000 drivers were ticketed. Similarly, in 2022, the Delhi Traffic Police announced a special operation to penalize drivers who use pressure horns and modified silencers.
Loudspeakers at religious places have also been a source of noise pollution in India. In 2017, Bollywood singer Sonu Nigam sparked a debate on social media when he criticized the use of loudspeakers for morning azaan. The Supreme Court has banned the use of loudspeakers and music systems between 10 pm and 6 am, except in public emergencies. Various state high courts, such as the Uttarakhand High Court, have set decibel limits for loudspeakers, while others have directed state governments to ensure that loudspeakers are not used without written permission from the relevant authorities.
Noise pollution has serious health implications for humans, including physical and psychological effects. High noise levels can lead to respiratory agitation, racing pulse, high blood pressure, migraines, gastritis, colitis, and even heart attacks. It can also cause human and animal discomfort, tiredness, depression, anxiety, aggression, and insomnia. Additionally, noise pollution can disrupt breeding cycles and hasten species extinction, affecting both wildlife and humans.
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Radiation pollution: uranium mining has caused health issues in surrounding areas
India faces pollution challenges in air, water, land, and soil resources, with regional challenges of radiation and urban challenges of noise pollution. A 2022 United Nations Environment Programme report studied noise levels in a sample of 61 cities worldwide, including five Indian cities. Among the latter, Moradabad, Uttar Pradesh, recorded the highest maximum noise level at 114 decibels, second only to Dhaka, Bangladesh.
Certain regions in the country also face serious local concerns regarding radiation pollution. Uranium mining has caused health issues in the surrounding areas. In the state of Jharkhand, the Jaduguda mine, India’s first uranium excavation, has caused health issues, including congenital abnormalities and fertility problems, in the surrounding area since the mine’s establishment in 1967. Other uranium-mining cities in the vicinity, such as Narwapahar, have reported similar issues.
The Uranium Corporation of India Limited (UCIL) discharges waste from its mining operations into a tailing pond. A 2019 study of groundwater samples by the pollution board found high levels of uranium contamination, with concentrations of uranium at 690 to 4000 parts per billion, while the permissible drinking water limit is 60 parts per billion. The concentration of alkalinity, heavy metals, and magnesium also exceeded permissible limits. Locals living near the Tummalapalle mine in Andhra Pradesh, estimated to have one of the country’s largest uranium reserves, have complained of groundwater pollution, causing skin problems, diseases, and reproductive issues in women.
Independent nuclear scientist Sanghmitra Gadekar, who conducted a survey on 9,000 villagers living in and around mines, has documented cases of congenital deformities, infertility, cancer, respiratory problems, and miscarriages. Gadekar's survey shows an excess of congenital deformities among those born after the start of mining operations in 1967, as well as extremely high levels of chronic lung disease.
In addition to the health impacts, uranium mining also affects the environment. Studies have shown that uranium mining can cause air pollution and particulate matter that can be mobilized by airborne mechanisms. Off-site transport of particulate matter can cause impaired visibility and dust accumulation on cars and houses. Exposure to particulate matter can also lead to increased asthma and, in some cases, even death from heart or lung disease.
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Soil pollution: trash and garbage piled on streets and dumped in rivers
India faces environmental contamination in its air, land, water, and soil resources, with regional challenges of radiation and urban noise pollution. Trash and garbage piled on streets is a major source of pollution in India. Indian cities alone generate more than 100 million tons of solid waste per year, with street corners piled with trash and public places and sidewalks despoiled with filth and litter. This waste ends up in rivers and canals, which act as garbage dumps.
This issue is caused by a combination of overpopulation, mismanagement, and a lack of education on topics like littering. The Indian mentality of "someone else will clean this if I throw it" is a significant contributor to the problem. The government has also been criticised for a lack of investment in projects to improve sewage systems and waste collection management.
The burning of trash in landfills and waste-to-energy plants has been identified as a potential solution to India's waste problem. However, this approach has been met with controversy, as residents living near these facilities have reported adverse health effects, such as stinging eyes, constant migraines, and coughing up black spittle. Air and soil samples collected by The New York Times revealed hazardous levels of toxic substances, including lead and arsenic, in the smoke and ash produced by these plants.
The Indian government has introduced several legislative measures and programs to mitigate pollution, and the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) was established in 1974 to monitor pollution levels and set emission standards. However, enforcement of environmental regulations has faced challenges due to resource constraints, civil noncompliance, and corruption.
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Frequently asked questions
There are four main types of pollution in India: air, water, land, and soil. However, regional challenges of radiation and urban challenges of noise pollution are also present.
Air pollution in India is caused by a variety of factors, including vehicle congestion in major cities, crop residue burning, industrial processes, and electricity generation from coal-fired power plants.
Air pollution has severe health impacts on the people of India, including respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. It also reduces life expectancy, with an average Indian losing 5.3 years of their life due to particulate pollution.
India has introduced various measures to mitigate air pollution, including updating emission regulation guidelines, promoting renewable energy and electric vehicles, and implementing the National Clean Air Programme to reduce particulate matter pollution.
Water pollution in India is caused by plastic pollution, untreated sewage, industrial activities, and chemical fertilizers in agriculture. Land pollution, or land degradation, is caused by human activities such as agriculture, deforestation, and mining.
