Challenges In India On Pollution - Man-made Menace

Global picture of pollution posing a catastrophic risk.

* Global picture of chemical pollution in the environment is often fragmented

We all know the benefits of synthetic chemicals in our daily lives, however, their deliberate and unintentional release into the wider environment is a direct consequence of economic development in every country including India

The scale of chemical release in India is estimated to be as high as 220 billion tonnes per annum – of which greenhouse emissions constitute only 20 per cent.

Industrial chemicals, including known carcinogens and their residues, have been detected in the blood and tissues of all populations, including the unborn and infants

India's chemical sector is regarded as a diversified industry churning out over 80,000 commercial products

The chemical and pharma sector is dominated mainly by medium and small companies, which contribute to 10.5% of India's foreign trade and is a huge employment generator for millions. Clocking an annual growth rate of 8 to 10%, the sector is projected to double its size to $300 billion by 2025, says the Department of Chemicals and Petrochemicals (GoI).

Air pollution has contributed to an estimated 7 million premature deaths every year. Air pollution and climate change are closely connected

We need urgent action to address these pressing issues. Time is running out, and nature is in emergency mode

AQI (Air Quality Index) values at or below 100 are generally thought of as satisfactory. When AQI values are above 100, air quality is unhealthy

India had enforced Bharat stage3 norms across the country since October 2010. In 13 major cities, Bharat stage IV emission norms were put in place since April 2010. BS-IV fuels contain 50 parts per million (ppm) sulphur, while BS-V and BS-VI grade fuel will have 10 ppm sulphur.

* Another major concern for India is the use and throw of – plastic (products)

In Mumbai suburbs, the Mira Bhayandar Municipal Corporation (MBMC) has confiscated nearly 7,703 kilograms of banned plastic products from July 1, 2022 to June 22, 2023

Only behavioural change and availability of eco-alternatives is the key to the success of the ban/restriction of single-use plastics.

After the ban came into force, enforcement campaigns have been carried out across India by the various pollution control board (CPCB, and the SPCBs/PCCs state pollution control boards)

A lot of companies in India have allegedly been violating environmental laws for several years, resulting in significant air, water, and chemical pollution. The district collectors across India, have been directing the state pollution control board to conduct a detailed investigation into these violations and submit a comprehensive report.

* The detrimental effects of operations by aluminium and rubber companies on the environment have been observed in recent years.

The pollution stemming from many other industrial units has severely damaged the fertile arable lands in the villages. Small and marginal farmers, who rely on farming as their livelihood, own these lands. Despite the farmers’ repeated complaints to competent authorities about the pollution caused by companies surrounding their farming lands, their pleas have gone unanswered, leading to the farmers’ devastation.

* The continuous emission of toxic fumes and chemicals from these industries, poses a serious threat to human health and the environment.

Harmful substances such as carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, sulphur oxide, and nitrogen oxide are released into the air, contributing to air pollution.

It is known to everyone and is even published by The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates confirming that air pollution causes seven million deaths annually and is linked to various diseases, including stroke, lung cancer, and heart disease.

Residents living near these companies, are reportedly suffering from respiratory ailments, including asthma and cancer, due to the toxic chemical pollutants

* During the production processes these chemical and pharma companies emit large amounts of chemical smoke from their chimneys, causing severe inconvenience to the local population.

These chemical emissions contaminate nearby homes, leaving black-coloured particles on their roofs and interiors. Furthermore, the companies discharge chemical-laden wastewater directly into nearby rivers, creeks, and lakes without proper treatment, leading to water pollution. The groundwater in the vicinity also gets contaminated, adversely affecting agricultural practices and posing significant health risks.

Of the 9.45 lakh water bodies in India, the central and state pollution control boards (CPCB/SPCB) are together monitoring the quality of only 562, (including 172 in Karnataka, a report by Actionaid)

As per the Water (Prevention and control of Pollution) Act, In India, the central pollution control board (CPCB) has to "collect, compile and publish technical and statistical data relating to water pollution," and disseminate/publish such information. Organizations like Actionaid have repeatedly said though the CPCB introduced the National water Monitoring Programme to  monitor rivers, lakes, tanks and other water bodies, the number of water bodies covered by the programme are very limited: 348 lakes, 134 tanks and 107 ponds

There is anger among the people against the administration in many states due to pollution of many rivers across India

Due to the polluted and chemical-rich water, foam is visible in many rivers across India. The chemical water covers the river with a sheet of toxic foam. It is suspected that the chemical mafia have dropped the chemical in the river from the check dam built on the river.

There is anger among the people when no action has been taken despite several representations to the PCB (Pollution control boards).

Farmers and cattle herders allege that chemical mafia repeatedly throw tankers filled with chemicals into the river.

Due to which, water of the river gets polluted. Animals get skin diseases by drinking contaminated water. Many animals have died in the past as well. Farmers are in trouble due to barren land.

* Many Pollution Control Boards have had to issue show cause notices to airports, highlighting the breach of Environment Clearance (EC) conditions and the non-operation of the Sewage Treatment Plant (STP).

As per the water balance chart the show cause notice issued by PCB reveals that the STP being constructed have a capacity, which falls significantly short of the expected capacity required for processing the human waste.

Reducing the use of water and chemical inputs; and adoption of less environmentally harmful pesticides or cultivation of crop strains with natural resistance to pests; and. Protection of sensitive areas.

To conclude, pollution-related deaths are now around 9–10 million a year, compared with 2 million deaths from COVID-19 in the first year of the pandemic (WHO 2021). Indeed, the toll may be even higher, if deaths from cancers and other non-communicable diseases are included.

The author is an expert on public policy advocacy and government affairs