Environmental Degradation & Pollution
Environmental degradation is a process that makes the environment unsuitable for the survival of different
life forms, leading to immense ecological damage. Rapid industrialization, driven by population growth and
increased human needs, has led to the over-exploitation of natural resources. This has resulted in major
environmental issues like climate change, pollution, ocean acidification, and loss of biodiversity.
Air Pollution
Air pollution is the presence of solid, liquid, or gaseous substances, including noise and radioactive
radiation, in the atmosphere at concentrations that are harmful to living organisms, property, or normal
environmental processes. Pollution is caused by the release of undesirable physical, chemical, or biological
agents (pollutants) into the environment due to human activities.
Causes of Air Pollution
● Fossil Fuels: The burning of fossil fuels in power plants, industries, and transportation is a major
cause of air pollution. These fuels contain nitrogen and sulfur, and their combustion releases oxides
of nitrogen and sulfur into the atmosphere. These oxides react with water vapor to form sulfuric and
nitric acid, which fall as acid rain. Acid rain corrodes marble monuments, a phenomenon known as
"Marble cancer".
● Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs): Used in refrigerators, air conditioners, and aerosol sprays, CFCs
damage the ozone layer.
● Suspended Particles: The combustion of fossil fuels also increases suspended particles in the air,
such as unburnt carbon particles and hydrocarbons.
● Smog: High levels of pollutants can reduce visibility, especially in cold weather, creating smog,
which indicates air pollution.
● Vehicular & Industrial Emissions:
○ Vehicular Emissions: The main pollutants are Carbon monoxide (CO), Nitrogen oxides
(NOx), and Non-Methane Volatile Organic Compounds (NMVOCs). Other trace emissions
include methane (
CH4), carbon dioxide (CO2), and sulfur oxides (SOx).
○ Industrial Emissions: Critical industries like iron and steel, cement, and fertilizers
contribute to suspended particulate matter (SPM), SOx, NOx, and CO2.
● Improper Pyrolysis: While pyrolysis is a safer technique than burning, some units use suboptimal
technologies that leave behind fine carbon matter, pyro gas, and oil as residue.
● Fuel Adulteration: Adulterating gasoline and diesel with cheaper kerosene increases emissions of
CO, NOx, and particulate matter.
● Agriculture, Waste Treatment, & Biomass Burning:
○ Agricultural Activities: Key pollutants are ammonia (NH3), methane (CH4), and nitrous
oxide (N2O).
○ Waste Treatment: Methane is a major pollutant from landfills and wastewater treatment
plants, while ammonia is a by-product of composting.
● Stubble Burning: This involves intentionally setting fire to crop stubble after harvest. It is practiced
throughout India, with severe pollution in the National Capital Region (NCR) caused by burning in
Punjab, Haryana, and UP from late September to November. The practice is illegal but still rampant.
○ Effects:
■ Pollution: Emits toxic pollutants like methane (CH4), Carbon Monoxide (CO), and
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC). These create a thick smog blanket that
adversely affects health.
■ Soil Degradation: Burning destroys nutrients, beneficial bacteria, and fungi,
reducing soil fertility and moisture.
Why is Air Pollution More Severe in Delhi than Mumbai or Kolkata?
Despite similar urbanization, Delhi's air pollution is far more severe than in coastal cities like Mumbai and
Kolkata due to several factors.
● Geography and Climate: Delhi is a landlocked, continental city without the benefit of land and sea
breezes that carry pollutants away from Mumbai and Kolkata.
● Temperature Inversion: Delhi's severe winter cold waves lead to temperature inversion, which
traps pollutants and smog for longer periods. The Himalayas also act as a barrier to cleaner air from
the north.
● Proximity to Polluting Industries: The Delhi and NCR region is a hub for coal-powered industries,
which release sulfur oxides, forming sulphurous smog.
● Vehicular Emissions: While all three cities have similar vehicular emissions, Delhi is hit the worst
due to its geography and climate, which traps pollutants like nitrogen dioxide (NO2) that lead to
photochemical smog.
● Farm Straw Burning: Located in the heart of a densely populated agricultural region, Delhi's
pollution levels are significantly worsened by the burning of farm straw in surrounding areas.
Why is Air Pollution Worse in Delhi During Winters?
The most polluted months in Delhi are November, December, and January. This is because:
● Crop Residue Burning: Most crop residue is burned in Haryana, Punjab, and UP during
November. *
Temperature Inversion: This coincides with cold, foggy, and windless days, leading to temperature
inversion that traps and accumulates pollutants.
● Local Burning: The burning of leaves also increases locally during November.
Air Pollution & Pollutants
Air pollution refers to the presence of harmful substances in the atmosphere. These substances, or
pollutants, are directly or indirectly injurious to living organisms and property.
Sources of Air Pollution
● Household Air Pollution: This results from burning fuels like coal, wood, and kerosene for cooking
and heating in poorly ventilated spaces. This releases pollutants such as fine particulate matter (
PM2.5), black carbon, carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, and methane. Additionally, paints,
furniture, and carpets can release volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
● Volcanism: Volcanic gases such as sulphur dioxide (SO2), carbon dioxide (CO2), hydrogen
fluoride, and hydrogen sulphide pose significant hazards. Locally,
SO2can cause acid rain and air pollution. Globally, large eruptions can inject sulphur aerosols into
the stratosphere, leading to lower surface temperatures and ozone layer depletion.
● Thermal Power Plants: The combustion of coal in thermal power plants releases carbon dioxide,
oxides of nitrogen, and oxides of sulphur. Indian coal has high moisture and ash content, which
contributes to more pollution.
Noise Pollution
Noise pollution is any unwanted sound that causes annoyance, irritation, or pain. It is measured in decibels
(dB). The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends an optimum noise level of 45 dB during the day
and 35 dB at night. The human ear can tolerate noise levels up to 85 dB, with anything above 80 dB
considered hazardous and sound between 100-125 dB being uncomfortable.
● Permissible Noise Levels in India: The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has set
permissible noise levels for different zones.
○ Industrial Zone: 75 dB (Day), 70 dB (Night).
○ Commercial Zone: 65 dB (Day), 55 dB (Night).
○ Residential Zone: 55 dB (Day), 45 dB (Night).
○ Silent Zone: 50 dB (Day), 40 dB (Night). Silent zones are areas within 100 meters of
schools, colleges, hospitals, and courts.
● Regulations: Noise pollution is regulated by the Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control) Rules,
2000, under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.
