Question

Write the pollution problem in India.

(A) Air pollution

(B) PUC

(C) Environmental protection work

Answer 1

Air pollution, poor management of waste, growing water scarcity, falling groundwater tables, water pollution, preservation and quality of forests, biodiversity loss, and land/soil degradation are some of the major environmental issues India faces today.

(A) Air pollution: Most of the states in India are facing the problem of increasing air pollution. The pollution caused by automobiles is an issue of great worry. The ‘Centre for Science and Environment’ studied the problem of pollution in Delhi and made the public aware of its severity. It has been proved that the cause of pollution in Delhi is basically the increasing number of automobiles, vehicles with poor maintenance running on the street that cause emissions containing poisonous gases and carbon particles. The heritage monuments in Delhi are also getting affected because of the pollution

(B) PUC: The institution recommended the use of CNG – Compressed Natural Gas as fuel for vehicles to overcome the pollution problem. Based on this recommendation, the Supreme Court issued an order of using CNG for public transport vehicles, in 1998. Later, a policy of permitting only those vehicles as roadworthy, which passed the test of ‘Pollution Under control – PUC’ was adopted. It was decided that vehicles without a ‘PUC’ certificate will not qualify for insurance and renewal of insurance. Several centres issuing PUC certificates were opened. Chemical effluents drained into rivers and streams are the major source of water pollution.

(C) Environmental protection work: Efforts of a number of environmental activists have contributed significantly to environment conservation and preservation. Among them, Sundarlal Bahuguna (‘Chipko’ Movement), Medha Patkar (‘Narmada Bachao’ Movement) and Dr. Rajendra Singh (Water Conservation) are some prominent names. The pollution of water and food is increasing because of artificial and non-biodegradable materials like plastic and pesticides. This is also causing degradation of the soil. It causes a spurt of various diseases in humans, animals and plants that creates a harmful situation for general health.