DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS: 27 November 2024

How To Control Pollution In India

India grapples with a severe pollution crisis, primarily stemming from vehicular emissions, industrial waste, and improper waste disposal, which significantly impacts public health and the environment. To combat this pressing issue, a multi-pronged approach is needed, involving stricter regulations, promoting sustainable practices, and raising public awareness to effectively control pollution across the nation.

 

Air Pollution

Air pollution stands out as one of the most pressing environmental issues in India. The country is home to some of the world’s most polluted cities, with PM2.5 (fine particulate matter with a diameter of less than 2.5 microns) being the most harmful pollutant. These microscopic particles can penetrate deep into the lungs and even enter the bloodstream, leading to severe health issues such as respiratory and cardiovascular diseases.

 

The severity of air pollution in India is staggering. In 2019, air pollution was responsible for 1.67 million deaths in the country, accounting for 17.8% of total deaths. The economic impact is equally concerning, with losses due to air pollution-related health issues estimated at $36.8 billion, or 1.36% of India’s GDP.

 

AQI Level

Category

Health Implications

0-50

Good

Air quality is safe, with no health risks for anyone.

51-100

Moderate

Air quality is generally acceptable, but sensitive individuals may still experience minor health effects from some pollutants.

101-150

Poor

Air is safe for most, but sensitive individuals may face health risks due to pollutants.

151-200

Severe

Air pollutants may cause infections or viruses in healthy people; high risk for very sensitive individuals.

201-300

Dangerous

Contaminated air poses health risks to everyone, leading to various health issues.

301-500

Hazardous

Critical emergency: Air quality at this level poses severe risks, potentially life-threatening for both sensitive and healthy people.

 

 

Water Pollution

Water pollution is another critical issue, with approximately 70% of surface water in India estimated to be unfit for consumption. The primary sources of water pollution include:

  • Illegal dumping of raw sewage
  • Industrial waste
  • Agricultural runoff

Solid Waste Pollution

India is one of the world’s largest generators of municipal solid waste (MSW), producing over 62 million tons annually. This figure is projected to increase dramatically, potentially reaching 165 million tons by 2030. The waste generated in India is diverse and includes:

  • Hazardous Waste:Approximately 7.9 million tons annually
  • Plastic Waste:Around 5.6 million tons annually
  • E-Waste: About 1.5 million tons annually
  • Biomedical Waste:Approximately 0.17 million tons annually

Urban areas are the primary sources of this waste, with an average per capita waste generation of 0.7 kg per day, a figure expected to rise with changing consumption patterns.

Waste Collection and Disposal

Despite the large volume of waste generated, only about 43 million tons are collected annually, and a mere 12 million tons are treated before disposal. The remaining 31 million tons are often discarded in landfills or wasteyards without proper treatment. This inadequate collection and disposal system leads to significant environmental and public health concerns.

Environmental and Health Impacts

The improper management of solid waste in India has severe consequences for both the environment and public health:

  • Air Pollution: Open burning of waste and emissions from landfills release harmful pollutants, including methane, a potent greenhouse gas.
  • Water Pollution:Leachate from improperly managed landfills contaminates groundwater and surface water bodies, posing risks to aquatic life and human health.
  • Soil Contamination: The disposal of hazardous waste, including e-waste and biomedical waste, leads to soil contamination, affecting soil fertility and potentially entering the food chain.
  • Land Degradation: The accumulation of waste in landfills without proper treatment leads to land degradation, reducing available land for other uses and affecting surrounding ecosystems.
  • Health Risks:Poor waste management practices contribute to various health issues, including respiratory problems, waterborne diseases, and vector-borne diseases. The accumulation of waste provides breeding grounds for disease vectors such as mosquitoes and rodents.

Government Policies and Initiatives

The Indian government has implemented several policies and initiatives to address the challenges of solid waste management:

  • Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016:These rules extend beyond municipal areas and mandate source segregation of waste into wet, dry, and domestic hazardous categories. They also emphasize the responsibilities of waste generators and encourage partnerships between bulk waste generators and local bodies.
  • Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2016:These rules focus on reducing plastic waste through recycling and reuse, and mandate producers to provide financial assistance for waste management systems.
  • Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM):Launched in 2014, this national-level program aims to improve waste management systems, promote source segregation, and encourage waste processing to make India cleaner.
  • Smart Cities Mission:Initiated in 2015, this program focuses on developing 100 smart cities with integrated waste management systems, promoting the principles of a circular economy (reduce, reuse, recycle).

Innovative Solutions and Technologies

Several innovative solutions and technologies are being implemented or proposed to address India’s solid waste management challenges:

 

Category

Innovative Solutions and Technologies

Case Studies

Smart Waste Management Technologies

l RFID tags and sensors are used in cities like Bangalore and Surat to optimize waste collection routes and monitor bin fill levels.

l 3D scanning technology is tested in Delhi to assess illegally dumped waste volume and types.

l AI and IoT solutions are employed to streamline waste collection and enhance management strategies.

Indore: Comprehensive system for timely waste collection, preventing littering and dumping.

Delhi: Focus on collection, disposal, and segregation with public-private partnerships and community involvement.

Waste-to-Energy (WtE) Technologies

l Bio-methanation plants, such as the one in Indore, convert organic waste into bio-CNG for public transport.

l Waste-to-energy plants in various states transform waste into energy, decreasing landfill use and producing renewable energy.

Indore: Bio-methanation for public transport use, contributing to city’s clean energy goals.

Recycling and Material Recovery

l Technologies are developed to turn plastic waste into pellets, packaging, furniture, and textiles.

l Construction waste recycling initiatives are underway, though awareness and adoption are limited.

Pune: SWaCH cooperative society, engaging informal workers in plastic waste management through a public-private partnership.

Community and Grassroots Initiatives

l Waste Ventures India collaborates with informal waste pickers to manage waste from its source to diversion from landfills.

l Community composting initiatives in gated communities significantly reduce landfill waste.

Bangalore: Decentralized waste management for residential and institutional sectors.

Chandigarh: Initiatives in waste disposal and recycling, recognized as a model city for solid waste management.

 

Way Forward

The future of pollution management in India depends on addressing current challenges and scaling up successful initiatives. Key recommendations include:

  • Strengthen Regulatory Framework: Enhance and strictly enforce pollution control regulations across all sectors, including industry, transportation, and agriculture.
  • Invest in Clean Technologies:Prioritize investment in and adoption of clean technologies across industries, including incentives for upgrading to cleaner production methods.
  • Improve Urban Planning:Implement sustainable urban planning strategies that prioritize green spaces, efficient public transportation systems, and pedestrian-friendly infrastructure.
  • Enhance Waste Management:Develop and implement comprehensive waste management systems, including proper segregation, recycling, and safe disposal of waste.
  • Promote Renewable Energy:Accelerate the transition to renewable energy sources to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and decrease air pollution from power generation.
  • Public Awareness Campaigns:Launch extensive public awareness campaigns to educate citizens about the health impacts of pollution and promote environmentally friendly behaviors.
  • Cross-Sectoral Collaboration: Foster collaboration between government agencies, industries, NGOs, and academic institutions to develop and implement holistic pollution control strategies.
  • International Cooperation:Engage in international cooperation and knowledge sharing to learn from global best practices in pollution control and adapt them to the Indian context.
  • Sustainable Agriculture Practices: Promote sustainable agricultural practices to reduce pollution from crop burning and excessive use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides.
  • Water Conservation and Treatment:Implement comprehensive water conservation and treatment programs to address water pollution and scarcity issues.

 

Conclusion

Pollution in India presents a complex challenge that requires a multi-faceted approach involving technological innovation, policy implementation, public participation, and sustainable practices. While significant obstacles remain, the country has made important strides in addressing pollution issues through various government initiatives and innovative solutions.

Largest Lake in India

Vembanad Lake

Vembanad Lake, located in the state of Kerala, India, is a prominent natural landmark along the central Kerala coast. As the longest lake in India and the largest in Kerala, it stretches an impressive 96.5 kilometers in length and covers an expansive area of approximately 230 square kilometers.

 

The lake’s physical characteristics are noteworthy:

  • It has a maximum depth of 12 meters (approximately 39 feet).
  • A narrow barrier islandseparates Vembanad Lake from the Arabian Sea, contributing to its popularity as a backwater stretch.
  • The lake is part of one of India’s largest wetland systems, encompassing not only the lake itself but also paddy fields, marshes, canals, and palm groves.

 

Vembanad Lake’s geographical significance is further underscored by its recognition under the National Wetlands Conservation Programme, highlighting its ecological and environmental importance.

Flora and Fauna

The lake’s ecosystem is rich in biodiversity, supporting a wide array of flora and fauna:

  • Flora:The lake is fringed with mangrove species such as Avicennia officinalis, Rhizophora apiculata, and Rhizophora mucronata, which are vital for maintaining ecological health and providing habitat for various aquatic species.
  • Fauna:Vembanad Lake is home to more than 20,000 waterfowls and serves as an important habitat for shrimps. It supports a diverse range of fishery resources and hosts numerous migratory birds, making it a significant site for birdwatching and biodiversity conservation.

Aspect

Significance of Vembanad Lake

Local Communities

l Supports diverse livelihoods, including fishing, agriculture, and tourism.

l Traditional activities like shrimp farming and clam picking sustain local communities.

l Vital for transportation, with houseboats and ferries facilitating movement and trade in the region.

Economic Importance

l Cornerstone of Kerala’s economy, sustaining a thriving fishery industry.

l Major tourist attraction, drawing global visitors and generating significant revenue.

l Supports other economic activities such as coir retting, lime shell collection, and inland navigation.

Cultural Significance

l Deeply embedded in Kerala’s cultural identity, hosting the renowned Nehru Trophy Boat Race with national and international appeal.

l Integral to the Onam festival, Kerala’s most celebrated cultural event.

l Inspires regional art and literature, reinforcing its cultural importance.

 

Conservation Efforts

Despite its ecological, economic, and cultural significance, Vembanad Lake faces numerous challenges that necessitate concerted conservation efforts.

  • Threat-Based Conservation:A comprehensive project titled “Threat Based Conservation Intervention for Sustainability in Vembanad Socio-Ecological System in the Times of Climate Change” addresses six major threats: lake pollution, lake reclamation, invasive species, unsustainable resource use, climate change, and livelihood enhancement.
  • Pollution Management:Initiatives include promoting sustainable menstrual hygiene and responsible agriculture to reduce pollution.
  • Resource Use and Reclamation:Awareness campaigns on ethical fishing and canal rejuvenation projects are underway to promote sustainable practices.
  • Invasive Species Management:Innovative approaches, such as converting water hyacinth into handmade paper, are being explored.
  • Disaster Preparedness:Programs like swimming training for students and disaster preparedness Grama Sabhas are being conducted to enhance community resilience.
  • Livelihood Enhancement:Projects like clam relaying and the establishment of a Social Innovation Center aim to improve local livelihoods while ensuring ecological sustainability.

 

 

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