-
1. Air Pollution
Definition: Air pollution refers to the contamination of the atmosphere by harmful substances like chemicals, particulate matter, or biological materials.
Major Pollutants: Carbon monoxide (CO), sulfur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen oxides (NOx), particulate matter (PM), and volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
Common Sources: Industries, vehicles, agriculture, and burning of fossil fuels.
Health Effects: Causes respiratory diseases like asthma, bronchitis, and lung cancer.
Climate Change: Air pollution contributes to climate change by increasing greenhouse gas concentrations.
Urban Pollution: Higher pollution levels due to traffic and industrial activity in urban areas.
-
2. Sources of Air Pollution
Natural Sources: Volcanoes, wildfires, dust storms, and biological decay.
Industrial Emissions: Factories release pollutants like SO2, NOx, and VOCs into the atmosphere.
Transportation: Vehicles are major contributors to CO, NOx, and PM through fuel combustion.
Agriculture: Use of fertilizers and pesticides releases ammonia and methane into the air.
Household Activities: Burning wood, coal, or biomass for cooking and heating contributes to indoor air pollution.
Construction: Dust and debris from construction sites contribute to PM pollution.
-
3. Effects of Air Pollution on Human Health, Economy, Plants, and Animals
Human Health: Causes respiratory diseases, cardiovascular issues, and increased mortality.
Economy: Losses in productivity due to health problems, and higher healthcare costs.
Plants: Reduces photosynthesis, stunts growth, and causes acid rain that damages crops.
Animals: Disrupts habitats, causes diseases in wildlife, and bioaccumulation of pollutants in food chains.
Environment: Contributes to global warming, depletes the ozone layer, and affects biodiversity.
Society: Increased environmental refugees as people move away from highly polluted areas.
-
4. Air Pollution Control Methods
Source Control: Reducing emissions from vehicles and industries by using cleaner fuels and technologies.
Regulation and Legislation: Enforcing strict pollution control laws and setting emission standards.
Use of Clean Energy: Promoting renewable energy sources like solar, wind, and hydropower.
Afforestation: Planting trees to absorb CO2 and release oxygen, thus improving air quality.
Public Awareness: Educating people about the harmful effects of air pollution and encouraging eco-friendly practices.
Technological Solutions: Use of air filters, scrubbers, and electrostatic precipitators to clean emissions.
-
5. Air Pollution and its Prevention and Control Act, 1981
Objective: The Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981 aims to prevent, control, and reduce air pollution by regulating industrial emissions.
Scope: It applies to the entire country and covers all sources of air pollution including industries, vehicles, and power plants.
Regulation of Pollutants: The Act empowers the central and state governments to set air quality standards and emission limits.
State Pollution Control Boards (SPCBs): Established to monitor air quality, regulate emissions, and grant licenses to industries.
Penalties: Violators are subject to penalties, including fines and imprisonment.
Air Quality Standards: Requires periodic assessment and updating of air quality standards to ensure public health and safety.
-
6. Environmental Protection Act, 1986
Objective: The Environmental Protection Act, 1986 provides a comprehensive legal framework for environmental protection and conservation in India.
Authority to Government: Gives the central government powers to regulate pollution, manage hazardous substances, and protect environmental resources.
Environmental Clearance: Industries must get environmental clearances before beginning operations.
Pollution Control: The Act sets guidelines for controlling pollution from industrial emissions, waste management, and hazardous substances.
Penalties for Violations: Enforced penalties, including fines and imprisonment for non-compliance.
Public Participation: Encourages public involvement in environmental protection and allows citizens to file complaints against violators.
-
7. Functions of State Pollution Control Board (SPCB)
Monitoring Pollution: SPCBs monitor air and water pollution levels and ensure compliance with national standards.
Issuing Permits: Issue permits to industries ensuring that emissions and waste management comply with regulations.
Inspection and Enforcement: Regular inspections of facilities to check for compliance with environmental laws.
Public Awareness: Promote pollution control education and encourage community participation.
Research and Development: Facilitate research on pollution control technologies and recommend practices.
Addressing Complaints: Address grievances from the public and take action against violators.
-
8. National Green Tribunal (NGT)
Establishment: Established in 2010 under the National Green Tribunal Act to handle environmental disputes and cases.
Objective: Provides a platform for speedy resolution of cases related to environmental protection.
Jurisdiction: Jurisdiction over civil cases involving environmental laws like the Water Act, Air Act, Environmental Protection Act, and Forest Conservation Act.
Powers: Has the power to hear petitions, award compensation, and impose penalties on violators.
Role in Enforcement: Ensures environmental regulations are strictly followed and provides relief in cases of harm.
Public Access: Citizens can file petitions directly to NGT for environmental concerns.