NAME:-MALEK FIROZ IMTIYAZ

GROUP NO:-243
PROJECT
SCIENTIFIC WORK REPORT
ECOLOGY AND ENVIROMENTAL PROTECTION
ENVIRONMENTAL PROBLEMS IN INDIA
SUBMATED TO:-LEONOV.V.YE

Introduction
India had an ancient tradition of paying constant attention to protection of the environment. There are
writings galore, to show that in ancient India every individual had to practice the dharmato protect and
worship nature. In India the devices and rules for protecting the environment are discernible from
ancient times.

Environmentalism is not a fixed concept, but is always evolving influenced by its context. This also
applies to Indian environmentalism, which has developed and changed throughout the years. There is a
rapid evolution in the Indian legislations after independence as the need and concern regarding
environment arose. From ancient environmental rules including Buddhism and Jainism to medieval and
then from British era to afterwards and the coming of modern legislations on environmental laws in
India, a great sense of concern has been shown by the legislature and even the Indian judiciary showed
a great concern regarding the environment with its landmark judgments.

Environment
The environment has been defined as that outer physical and biological system in which man and other
organisms live as a whole. Human environment consists of both physical environment and biological
environment. Physical environment covers land, water and air. Biological environment includes plants,
animals and other organisms.

‘Environment’ defined under the Environmental Protection Act, 1986, ‘Environment’ includes Water, air
and land and the inter-relationship which exists among and between, water, air, land, and human
beings, other living creatures, plants, microorganisms and property.[1]

The term environment has been derived from the term ‘environ’, which means ‘to surround’ Thus,
etymologically environment means ‘surrounding conditions, circumstances affecting people’s life.[2]

‘Environment’ includes water, air and land and the inter-relationship which exist among and between
water, air, land and human beings, other living creatures, plants, micro-organisms and property.[3]

It includes the complex physical, chemical and biological factors surrounding an organism or an
ecological community. Such factors act and interact with various species and organisms to affect their
form, growth and survival. Any unfavorable alteration of this environment is called environmental
pollution. Air, water, land, radiation and thermal are the common type of pollution.

Obviously, the “Environment” comprises all entities, living and non-living, natural or man-made, external
to oneself, and their interrelationships, which provide value, now or perhaps in the future, to
humankind. Environmental concerns relate to their degradation through actions of humans.

The goals of the Environmental policy may be formulated in several ways - to protect human health,
ensure viability of wild life, preservation of historic monuments, stopping further degradation of the
environment etc.

Environmental issues in India

 Water pollution

There are many environmental issues in India. Air pollution, water pollution, garbage

Domestically prohibited goods and pollution of the natural environment are all
Challenges for India. Nature is also causing some drastic effects on India.
The situation was worse between 1947 through 1995. According to data collection and
environment assessment studies of World Bank experts, between 1995 through 2010,
India has made some of the fastest progress in addressing its environmental issues and
improving its environmental quality in the world. Still, India has a long way to go to reach
environmental quality similar to those enjoyed in developed economies. Pollution
remains a major challenge and opportunity for India.

Environmental issues are one of the primary causes of disease, health issues and long
term livelihood impact for India.

Law and policies

Main articles: Environmental policy of India and Indian environmental law

British rule of India saw several laws related to the environment. Amongst the earliest
ones were Shore Nuisance (Bombay and Kolkata) Act of 1853 and the Oriental Gas
Company Act of 1857. The Indian Penal Code of 1860, imposed a fine on anyone who
voluntarily fouls the water of any public spring or reservoir. In addition, the Code
penalized negligent acts. British India also enacted laws aimed at controlling air
pollution. Prominent amongst these were the Bengal Smoke Nuisance Act of 1905 and
the Bombay Smoke Nuisance Act of 1912. Whilst these laws failed in having the
intended effect, British-enacted legislations pioneered the growth of environmental
regulations in India.
Upon independence from Britain, India adopted a constitution and numerous British-
enacted laws, without any specific constitutional provision on protecting the
Environment. India amended its constitution in 1976. Article 48(A) of Part IV of the
amended constitution, read: The State shall endeavor to protect and improve the
environment and to safeguard the forests and wildlife of the country. Article 51 A(g)
imposed additional environmental mandates on the Indian state.
Other Indian laws from recent history include the Water (Prevention and Control of
Pollution) Act of 1974, the Forest (Conservation) Act of 1980, and the Air (Prevention
and Control of Pollution) Act of 1981. The Air Act was inspired by the decisions made at
Stockholm Conference. The Bhopal gas tragedy triggered the Government of India to
enact the Environment (Protection) Act of 1986. India has also enacted a set of Noise
Pollution (Regulation & Control) Rules in 2000.
In 1985, the Indian government created the Ministry of Environment and Forests.
This ministry is the central administrative organization in India for regulating and
ensuring environmental protection.
Despite the active passage of laws by the central government of India, the reality of
environmental quality mostly worsened between 1947 and 1990. Rural poor had no
choice, but to sustain life in whatever way possible. Air emissions increased, water
pollution worsened, forest cover decreased.
Starting in the 1990s, reforms were introduced. Since then, for the first time in Indian
history, major air pollutant concentrations have dropped in every 5-year period.
Between 1992 and 2010, satellite data confirms India's forest coverage has increased
for the first time by over 4 million hectares, a 7% increase. In August 2019, the Indian
government imposed a nationwide ban on single-use plastics that will take effect on 2
Oct.

Possible causes
Some have cited economic development as the cause regarding the environmental
Issues. It is suggested that India's growing population is the primary cause of India's
Environmental degradation. Systematic studies challenge this theory. Empirical
evidence from countries such as Japan, England and Singapore, each with population
Density similar to or higher than that of India, yet each enjoying environmental quality
vastly superior to India's, suggests population density may not be the only factor
affecting India's issue.

Major issues

Floods are a significant environmental issue for India. It causes soil erosion, destruction of wetlands and wide
migration of solid wastes.

Major environmental issues are forests and agricultural degradation of land, resource
depletion (such as water, mineral, forest, sand, and rocks), environmental degradation,
public health, loss of biodiversity, loss of resilience in ecosystems, livelihood security for
the poor.
The major sources of pollution in India include the rapid burning of fuel wood and
biomass such as dried waste from livestock as the primary source of energy, lack of
organized garbage and waste removal services, lack of sewage treatment operations,
lack of flood control and monsoon water drainage system, diversion of consumer waste
into rivers, cremation practices near major rivers, government mandated protection of
highly polluting old public transport, and continued operation by Indian government of
government-owned, high emission plants built between 1950 and 1980.

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.
India's population growth adds pressure to environmental issues and its resources.
Rapid urbanization has caused a buildup of heavy metals in the soil of the city
of Ghaziabad, and these metals are being ingested through contaminated vegetables.
Heavy metals are hazardous to people's health and are known carcinogens .
Population growth and environmental quality
Public dumping of rubbish alongside a road in Kolkata.

There is a long history of study and debate about the interactions between population
growth and the environment. According to a British thinker Malthus, for example, a
growing population exerts pressure on agricultural land, causing environmental
degradation, and forcing the cultivation of land of higher as well as poorer quality. This
environmental degradation ultimately reduces agricultural yields and food availability,
famines and diseases and death, thereby reducing the rate of population growth.
Population growth, because it can place increased pressure on the assimilative capacity
of the environment, is also seen as a major cause of air, water, and solid-waste
pollution. The result, Malthus theorized, is an equilibrium population that enjoys low
levels of both income and Environmental quality. Malthus suggested positive and
preventative forced control of human population, along with abolition of poor laws.
Malthus theory, published between 1798 and 1826, has been analyses and criticized
ever since. The American thinker Henry George, for example, observed with his
characteristic piquancy in dismissing Malthus: "Both the Jayhawk and the man eat
chickens; but the more Jayhawks, the fewer chickens, while the more men, the more
chickens." Similarly, the American economist Julian Lincoln Simon criticized Malthus's
theory.] He noted that the facts of human history have proven the predictions of Malthus
and of the Neo-Malthusians to be flawed. Massive geometric population growth in the
20th century did not result in a Malthusian catastrophe. The possible reasons include:
increase in human knowledge, rapid increases in productivity, innovation and
application of knowledge, general improvements in farming methods (industrial
agriculture), mechanisation of work (tractors), the introduction of high-yield varieties of
wheat and other plants (Green Revolution), the use of pesticides to control crop pests.[16]
More recent scholarly articles concede that whilst there is no question that population
growth may contribute to environmental degradation, its effects can be modified by
economic growth and modern technology. Research in environmental economics has
uncovered a relationship between environmental quality, measured by ambient
concentrations of air pollutants and per capita income. This so-called
environmental Kuznets curve shows environmental quality worsening up until about
$5,000 of per capita income on purchasing parity basis, and improving thereafter. [18] The
key requirement, for this to be true, is continued adoption of technology and scientific
management of resources, continued increases in productivity in every economic
sector, entrepreneurial innovation and economic expansion.
Other data suggest that population density has little correlation to environmental quality
and human quality of life. India's population density, in 2011, was about 368 human
beings per square kilometer. Many countries with population density similar or higher
than India enjoy environmental quality as well as human quality of life far superior than
India. For example: Singapore (7148 /km2), Hong Kong (6349 /km2), South Korea (487
/km2), Netherlands (403 /km2), Belgium (355 / km2), England (395 /km2) and Japan (337/
km2).
Water pollution
Main article: Water pollution in India

The Taj Mahal next to the Yamuna river.

India has major water pollution issues. Discharge of untreated sewage is the single

most important cause for pollution of surface and ground water in India. There is a large
gap between generation and treatment of domestic waste water in India. The problem is
not only that India lacks sufficient treatment capacity but also that the sewage treatment
plants that are exist do not operate and are not maintained. The majority of the
government-owned sewage treatment plants remain closed most of the time due to
improper design or poor maintenance or lack of reliable electricity supply to operate the
plants, together with absentee employees and poor management. The waste water
generated in these areas normally percolates in the soil or evaporates. The uncollected
wastes accumulate in the urban areas cause unhygienic conditions and release a
pollutant that leaches to surface and groundwater.
According to a World Health Organization study, out of India's 3,119 towns and cities,
just 209 had partial sewage treatment facilities, and only 8 have full wastewater
treatment facilities (1992). Over 100 Indian cities dump untreated sewage directly into
the Ganges River. Investment is needed to bridge the gap between 29000 million lire
per day of sewage India generates, and a treatment capacity of mere 6000 million litters
per day.
Other sources of water pollution include agriculture run off and small scale factories
along the rivers and lakes of India. Fertilizers and pesticides used in agriculture in
northwest have been found in rivers, lakes and ground water. Flooding during
monsoons worsens India's water pollution problem, as it washes and moves all sorts of
solid garbage and contaminated soils into its rivers and wetlands.
Water resources
According to NASA groundwater declines are highest on Earth between 2002 and 2008
in northern India. Agricultural productivity is dependent on irrigation. A collapse of
agricultural output and severe shortages of potable water may influence 114 million
residents in India. In July 2012, about 670 million people or 10% of the world’s
population lost power blame on the severe drought restricting the power delivered by
hydroelectric dams.
Air pollution
Main article: Air pollution in India

A rural stove using biomass cakes, fuel wood and trash as cooking fuel. Surveys suggest over 100 million
households in India use such stoves (challahs) every day, 2–3 times a day. It is a major source of air pollution
in India, and produces smoke and numerous indoor air pollutants at concentrations 5 times higher than coal.
Clean burning fuels and electricity are unavailable in rural parts and small towns of India because of poor rural
highways and limited energy generation infrastructure.

Air pollution in India is a serious issue with the major sources being fuel wood and
biomass burning, fuel adulteration, vehicle emission and traffic congestion. Air pollution
is also the main cause of the Asian brown cloud, which is causing the monsoon to be
delayed. India is the world's largest consumer of fuel wood, agricultural waste and
biomass for energy purposes. Traditional fuel (fuel wood, crop residue and dung cake)
dominates domestic energy use in rural India and accounts for about 90% of the total. In
urban areas, this traditional fuel constitutes about 24% of the total. Fuel wood, agri
waste and biomass cake burning releases over 165 million tunes of combustion
products into India's indoor and outdoor air every year. These biomass-based
household stoves in India are also a leading source of greenhouse emissions
contributing to climate change.
The annual crop burning practice in northwest India, north India and eastern Pakistan,
after monsoons, from October to December, are a major seasonal source of air
pollution. Approximately 500 million tons of crop residue is burnt in open, releasing
smoke, soot, NOx, SOx, PAHs and particulate matter into the air. This burning has been
found to be a leading cause of smog and haze problems through the winter over
Punjab, cities such as Delhi, and major population centers along the rivers through
West Bengal. In other states of India, rice straw and other crop residue burning in open
is a major source of air pollution.
Vehicle emissions are another source of air pollution. Vehicle emissions are worsened
by fuel adulteration and poor fuel combustion efficiencies from traffic congestion and
low density of quality, high speed road network per 1000 people.
On per capita basis, India is a small emitter of carbon dioxide greenhouse. In 2009, IEA
estimates that it emitted about 1.4 tons of gas per person, in comparison to the United
States’ 17 tons per person, and a world average of 5.3 tons per person. However, India
was the third largest emitter of total carbon dioxide in 2009 at 1.65 Gt per year, after
China (6.9 Gt per year) and the United States (5.2 Gt per year). With 17 percent of
world population, India contributed some 5 percent of human-sourced carbon dioxide
emission; compared to China's 24 percent share.
The Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act was passed in 1981 to regulate air
pollution and there have been some measurable improvements. However, the
2012 Environmental Performance Index ranked India at 177th position out of 180
countries in 2018,as having the poorest relative air quality out of 132countries.  Of the
world's 30 most polluted cities, India is home to 21 as of 2020.

Solid waste pollution

See also: Solid waste policy in India

Trash and garbage disposal services, responsibility of local government workers in India, are ineffective. Solid
waste is routinely seen along India's streets and shopping plazas. Image shows solid waste pollution along a
Jaipur street, a 2011 image.

Trash and garbage is a common sight in urban and rural areas of India. It is a major
source of pollution. Indian cities alone generate more than 100 million tons of solid
waste a year. Street corners are piled with trash. Public places and sidewalks are
despoiled with filth and litter, rivers and canals act as garbage dumps. In part, India's
garbage crisis is from rising congestion. India's waste problem also points to a stunning
failure of governance. The tourism regions in the country mainly hill stations are also
facing this issue in the recent years.
In 2000, India's Supreme Court directed all Indian cities to implement a comprehensive
waste-management programmer that would include household collection of segregated
waste, recycling and composting. These directions have simply been ignored. No major
city runs a comprehensive programmer of the kind envisioned by the Supreme Court.
Indeed, forget waste segregation and recycling directive of the India's Supreme Court,
the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development estimates that up to 40
percent of municipal waste in India remains simply uncollected. Even medical waste,
theoretically controlled by stringent rules that require hospitals to operate incinerators, is
routinely dumped with regular municipal garbage. A recent study found that about half
of India's medical waste is improperly disposed of.
Municipalities in Indian cities and towns have waste collection employees. However,
these are unionized government workers and their work performance is neither
measured nor monitored.
Some of the few solid waste landfills India has, near its major cities, are overflowing and
poorly managed. They have become significant sources of greenhouse emissions and
breeding sites for disease vectors such as flies, mosquitoes, cockroaches, rats, and
other pests.

Waste collection truck in Ahmedabad, Gujarat

In 2011, several Indian cities embarked on waste-to-energy projects of the type in use in

Germany, Switzerland and Japan. For example, New Delhi is implementing two
incinerator projects aimed at turning the city’s trash problem into electricity resource.
These plants are being welcomed for addressing the city’s chronic problems of excess
untreated waste and a shortage of electric power. They are also being welcomed by
those who seek to prevent water pollution, hygiene problems, and eliminate rotting trash
that produces potent greenhouse gas methane. The projects are being opposed by
waste collection workers and local unions who fear changing technology may deprive
them of their livelihood and way of life.

Noise pollution

Noise pollution or noise disturbance is the disturbing or excessive noise that may harm
the activity or balance of human or animal life. Noise-wise India can be termed as the
most polluted country in the world. The source of most outdoor noise worldwide is
mainly caused by machines and transportation systems, motor vehicles, aircraft, and
trains.[1][2] In India the outdoor noise is also caused by loud music during festival
seasons .Outdoor noise is summarized by the word environmental noise. Poor urban
planning may give rise to noise pollution, since side-by-side industrial and residential
buildings can result in noise pollution in the residential areas.
Indoor noise can be caused by machines, building activities, and music performances,
especially in some workplaces. Noise-induced hearing loss can be caused by outside
(e.g. trains) or inside (e.g. music) noise.
High noise levels can contribute to cardiovascular effects in humans and an increased
incidence of coronary artery disease. In animals, noise can increase the risk of death by
altering predator or prey detection and avoidance, interfere with reproduction and
navigation, and contribute to permanent hearing loss.
The Supreme Court of India which is in New Delhi gave a significant verdict on noise
pollution in 2005. Unnecessary honking of vehicles makes for a high decibel level of
noise in cities. The use of loudspeakers for political purposes and for sermons by
temples and mosques makes noise pollution in residential areas worse.
In January 2010, Government of India published norms of permissible noise levels in
urban and rural areas.

Greater adjutant perched on a pile of trash and solid waste in Assam.

Erosion of sands

In March 2009, the issue of [Punjab] attracted press coverage. It was alleged to be
caused by fly ash ponds of thermal power stations, which reportedly lead to severe birth
defects in children in the Faridkot and Bhatinda districts of Punjab. The news reports
claimed the uranium levels were more than 60 times the maximum safe limit. In 2012,
the Government of India confirmed that the ground water in Malwa belt of Punjab has
uranium metal that is 50% above the trace limits set by the United Nations' World Health
Organization. Scientific studies, based on over 1000 samples from various sampling
points, could not trace the source to fly ash and any sources from thermal power plants
or industry as originally alleged. The study also revealed that the uranium concentration
in ground water of Malwa district is not 60 times the WHO limits, but only 50% above
the WHO limit in 3 locations. This highest concentration found in samples was less than
those found naturally in ground waters currently used for human purposes elsewhere,
such as Finland. Research is underway to identify natural or other sources for the
uranium.
Greenhouse gas emissions
India was the third largest emitter of carbon dioxide, a major greenhouse gas, in 2009 at
1.65 Gt per year, after China and the United States . With 17 percent of world
population, India contributed some 5 percent of human-sourced carbon dioxide
emission; compared to China's 24 percent share. On per capita basis, India emitted
about 1.4 tons of carbon dioxide per person, in comparison to the United States’ 17 tons
per person, and a world average of 5.3 tons per person.

acts for environment protection in India are as follows:-The

main
1. The Forest Conservation Act, 1980 and Environment

2. The Prevention of Air and Water Pollution, 1974, 1981 (The Central Pollution Control Board) (CPCB)
was constituted under this act.

3. The Air Prevention and Control of Pollution, 1981.

4. The Atomic Energy Act. 1982.

5. The Environmental Protection Act, 1986. (It came into force soon after the Bhopal Gas Tragedy)

6. The Environmental Conservation Act. 1989.

7. The National Environmental Tribunal, 1995.

8. National Environmental Appellate Authority Act, 1997.

9. National Environment Management Act (NEMA), 1998

10. Handling and Management of Hazardous Waste Rule in 1989.

11. The Public Liability Insurance Act (Rules and Amendment), 1992.

12. The Biomedical Waste Management and Handling Rules, 1998.

13. The Environment (Siting for Industrial Projects) Rules, 1999.

14. The Municipal Solid Waste (Management and Handling) Rules, 2000.

15. The Ozone Depleting Substance (Regulation and Control) Rules, 2000.

16. The Biological Diversity Act 2002.

Acid rain arriving soon in India

Acid rain arriving soon in India

When it rains it burns

Acid rain has already been reported in some parts of India, and the situation is likely to get worse

India faces an increasing threat from acid rain -- earlier believed to be the scourge of the West. The
large-scale industrial growth and reliance on the use of coal and crude oil distillates like diesel have led
to acidification of the atmosphere.The burning of fossil fuels is mainly responsible for creation of
sulphur dioxide ( so 2 ) and oxides of nitrogen ( no x ) which lead to the formation of acid rain.
Automobile exhaust fumes are partly to blame, but the worst culprits are coal-burning thermal power
plants and the steel industry. Already, a low pH has been observed at Chembur, Maharashtra and Delhi.
This is the conclusion of a study conducted by Manju Mohan and Sanjay Kumar of the Centre for
Atmospheric Sciences, Indian Institute of Technology ( iit ), New Delhi.

The phenomenon of rain is caused when heat from the Sun's rays on the surface of seas, lakes and rivers
induces evaporation. The water vapors formed in the process rises to a height where it condenses into
moisture. If ambient conditions prevail it comes down as rain. But in the case of acid rain, water vapour
reaches the atmosphere, condenses, and reacts with atmospheric gases like so 2 and no x . When it
rains, these atmospheric pollutants are deposited on the soil, vegetation, surface water or reservoirs.
The deposition ultimately results in damage because of the acidity of the pollutants (see chart: What
goes up must come down ).

The problem is very real in the sub-continent. India enjoys the dubious distinction of releasing the
maximum pollutants in the atmosphere after China. Total sulphur emissions are expected to rise from
4,400 kilotonnes (kt) in 1990 to 6,500 kt in 2000, 10,900 kt in 2010 and 18,500 in 2020. It is, therefore,
not surprising that low pH levels have been reported from Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Madhya
Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and even the Andaman Islands. While this will not result in acid rain, the stage has
been set for it and if conditions worsen like the setting up of a highly polluting thermal power plant in
the vicinity or an industrial estate there may be acid rain. After analysing data from 10 Indian
Background Air Pollution Monitoring Stations ( bapmons ), scientists have confirmed that rain in and
around these cities is getting increasingly acidic in nature.

The bapmons data collected during 1974-1984 shows that a few areas are already under stress
conditions. During two decades, the acidic content of rain in Delhi increased, which means its pH level
decreased from 7.0 (1965) to 6.1 (1984), and in nearby Agra from 9.1 (1963) to 6.3 (1984). The data also
showed that pH levels in the Andaman Islands fluctuated between 5.6 and 8.9. Acidity and alkalinity are
measured on the pH scale from 0 to 14. Normal water is 7 on the scale. Decreasing values on the pH
scale denotes increasing acidity and, conversely, higher values show increasing alkalinity. A value below
5.6 denotes acid rain (see graph: Scale of acidity ).

C K Varshney, professor, School of Environmental Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi,
warns 'Acid rain may cause irreparable damage to the country's biodiversity and even damage the food
chain.'

Moreover, the use of diesel is causing a high amount of sulphur and nitrogen emissions in the metros.
Indian diesel has a sulphur content of 0.5 per cent by weight. Delhi and Agra are supplied with diesel
that has a lower sulphur content. "But even this is far higher than sulphur levels in diesel used in
countries like Sweden (0.001 per cent). Swedish diesel is 250 times cleaner. It means that with the rising
number of diesel vehicles, the government's objective to bring down sulphur emissions may not be
achievable," says H B Mathur, professor emeritus, Delhi College of Engineering. "If the government
continues to encourage diesel usage, the prediction made by the iit study may well come true," adds K P
Nyati, head (environmental division), Confederation of Indian Industries ( cii ), New Delhi.

The only good news for India is that chances of acid rain occuring are unlikely. This is because tropical
climatic conditions and predominantly alkaline-rich soils of the country have a neutralising effect on the
pollutants, says R N Gupta, director, Environmental Meteorology Unit, Indian Meteorological
Department ( imd). As dust particles in the country are alkaline in nature, acid rain-causing gases such
as so 2 and no x get neutralised.

But there is the possibility of the phenomenon occurring in the Northeast and some parts of south India,
he says. The imd has, however, not confirmed these findings.

Ozone: Health and environmental effects

 ve

What is ozone?

Ground-level or "bad" ozone is not emitted directly into the air, but is created by
chemical reactions between oxides of nitrogen (NOx) and volatile organic compounds
(VOC) in the presence of sunlight. Emissions from industrial facilities and electric
utilities, motor vehicle exhaust, gasoline vapors, and chemical solvents are some of the
major sources of NOx and VOC.

Breathing ozone can trigger a variety of health problems including chest pain, coughing,
throat irritation, and congestion. It can worsen bronchitis, emphysema, and asthma.
Ground-level ozone also can reduce lung function and inflame the linings of the lungs.
Repeated exposure may permanently scar lung tissue.

Health and Environment

People with lung disease, children, older adults, and people who are active can be
affected when ozone levels are unhealthy. Numerous scientific studies have linked
ground-level ozone exposure to a variety of problems, including:

 airway irritation, coughing, and pain when taking a deep breath;

 wheezing and breathing difficulties during exercise or outdoor activities;
 inflammation, which is much like a sunburn on the skin;
  aggravation of asthma and increased susceptibility to respiratory illnesses like
pneumonia and bronchitis; and,
 permanent lung damage with repeated exposures.

Environmental Effects
Ground-level ozone can have detrimental effects on plants and ecosystems. These
effects include:

 interfering with the ability of sensitive plants to produce and store food, making
them more susceptible to certain diseases, insects, other pollutants, competition
and harsh weather;
 damaging the leaves of trees and other plants, negatively impacting the
appearance of urban vegetation, as well as vegetation in national parks and
recreation areas; and
 Reducing forest growth and crop yields, potentially impacting species diversity in
ecosystems.

Are you at risk from ground-level ozone?

Several groups of people are particularly sensitive to ozone— especially when they are
active outdoors—because physical activity causes people to breathe faster and more
deeply.

Active children are the group at highest risk from ozone exposure because they often
spend a large part of the summer playing outdoors. Children are also more likely to
have asthma, which may be aggravated by ozone exposure.

Active adults of all ages who exercise or work vigorously outdoors have a higher level of
exposure to ozone than people who are less active.

People with asthma or other respiratory diseases that make the lungs more vulnerable
to the effects of ozone will generally experience health effects earlier and at lower
ozone levels than less sensitive individuals. Scientists don’t yet know why, but some
healthy people may experience health effects at more moderate levels of outdoor
exertion or at lower ozone levels than the average person.

In general, as concentrations of ground-level ozone increase, more and more people

experience health effects, the effects become more serious, and more people are
admitted to the hospital for respiratory problems. When ozone levels are very high,
everyone is at risk.
MARINE POLLUTION IN THE INDIAN OCEAN -
PROBLEMS,
The Indian Ocean occupies an area of 74.92 x 106 km2

in-cluding the marginal seas (Dietrich · 1963). Its average depth is 3873 m. It is a huge sea area
ranging from Eastern Africa to Western Australia and bordered on the North bythe. Asian
subcontinent. The area between 25° N and 30° S latitude and between 40° E and 98° E
longitude has been. Onsidered for this review. This consideration has been done on the basis of
data availability. Geographically it is the area from 30°5

latitude to the Gulf of Oman and the head of the Bay of Bengal

On the north, from the East Afri-can coast on the west to the

coastlines of Burma, Thailand. And Malaysia (excluding the Strait

Of Malacca) on the ·east. In this region of the Indian Ocean there

Are altogether 19 countries. The total area of the countries is about 9.6 x 106 , km2

And they are inhabited by about 1221

Million people as 'On 1982. The average population density is -2

According to Budyko (1972), the Indian Ocean .is an area 3

127 km • Thus on an average 22.5% of the world population

lives in 18.6% of the total land area.

NATURE OF MAEINE ENVIRONMENTAL PROBLEMS

·Marine pollution, as defined by GESAMP (Group of Experts

On the Scientific Aspects of Marine Pollution of UN), is "Intro-

Duction by man ditectly or indirectly of substances or energy

Into the marine environment (including estuaries) resulting in

Such deleterious effects as harm to living resources hazards

To human health, hindrance to marine activities including fishing,

Impairment of quality for use of sea water and reduction of

Amenities". Strictly speaking the term pollution would mean

Any departures from purity. When .the word pure 'it’s used in the

Context of water pollution .it should mean waterm it’s pristine

State fit for human use. Any substance that makes the water

Unfit for human use must be considered a pollutant.

Environmental contamination is not an amoral phenomenon;

Rather it is the inevitable consequence of the process of develop-

Ment. Pollutants . Can be native or natural which are not caused

By man, genera ted by man but not created by him, and synthetic

Pollutants wholly created by man (Johnston, 1976). One can

Broadly put hydrocarbons, soluble inorganic and organic substances

in the first category, redistribution and exploitation by man.

1. Oil Pollution:
In an environmental context the term "Oil Pollution" re-

Presents pollution by crude petroleum or refined petroleum

Products. Oil pollution is an inevitable consequence of the

Dependence of a rapidly growing population on oil based Technology

. For tuna Te ly, the total record of accidental

Oil spills in; the Indian Ocean (north of· the equator) is 15

Tanker disasters and 3 blow outs from 1970-1982 (Couper

1983). consequently, oil originating from ballast, bilge and

Cooling water of the tankers are the main sources of oil

Contamination in the Indian Ocean. Other sources such as

industrial and domestic· discharges, however, cannot be

Ignored.

(a) Sources of Oil Pollution:

A great deal of attention has been attracted by oil

Pollution of the oceans resulting from tanker disasters,

Operational or accidental and intentional releases and

Offshore oil exploration and exploitation. The first

Tanker disaster took place in 196 7 when the Torrey Canyon

Ran aground off Cornwall, England. This event attracted

Worldwide attention and pointed the risk of oil transport

In very large crude carriers. A widely publicized offshore

Oil blow out took place in 1969 in the Santa Barbara

Channel, U.S.A. Two tanker routes from the Middle

East countries cross the Arabian Sea. One of them is

to the Western hemisphere through the Mozambique

Channel and. the other is to the Far East and Japan

Across the Southern Bay of Bengal Because of these

Tanker routes oil pollution is a chronic problem in the

Northern endian Ocean.

2. Heavy Metal Pollution:

Metal pollution generally remains unnoticed until catastrophic

Events like the 'Minamata' or the 'Itai-Itai' disease (both

In Japan) occur. These were caused by mercury and cadmium

Poisoning respectively. In aquatic environments metals have

Been termed as ‘Conserve pollutants’ because once added

To the environment, they remain there forever and cannot

Be broken down to harmless substances by bacterial action

as many organic pollutants undergo. Most of them are,

However, natural substances occuring in sea water in extreme- low concentrations. They are
leached or introduced into

The aquatic systems as a result of weathering of soils and rocks, from underwater volcanic ac ti
VI ties, or from a variety

Of manmade sources. These processes and activities change the natural concentrations of
metals in the sea water resulting

In ten or even a hundred-fold increase near the source of an effluent discharge. Although many
metals are toxic at

A very low concentration they are often vital as trace ele-mends. Thus, while manganese,
copper, iron, zinc etc. are

Considered essential micronutrients, mercurv. Cadmium and lead are not required for any
important biol~gicalfunction by organisms and are termed as non-essential elements.

In general, metal pollution in the Indian Ocean has not yet reached dangerous levels. But the
potential threat it offers is sufficient to merit a careful watch, in terms of monitoring
programmers. Metals, once introduced in the sea water, as contaminants undergo various
alterations. Apart from dilution and dispersion, there are biogeochemical processes which
remove metals from the sea water, or in other words, reduce the concentrations of the added
metal in the sea water. These are precipitation, adsorption onto suspended matter and
adsorption by the organisms. It is the last process which is of prime concern to man.'" This has
led to much interest in determining the levels of heavy metals in a wide variety of commercially
important marine fishes. Fewer studies deal with the levels of heavy metals in other
economically unsuitable species to determine and understand the high levels of metals
reported in some species which are due to the generally increased levels of the particular metal
in the marine ecosystems or are a physiological peculiarity of that particular species.

3. Pesticides pollution:
Studies on the pesticide residues ~n the environment assumes significant importance because

Of the dependence of all the countries in the Indian Ocean region on agriculture and on the

Control of any vector - borne diseases. It is because of the control of disease vectors that the

Role of one of the most persistent and widely used pesticide, DDT, cannot be ignored. DDT,

Since its introduction and use during the Second World War, has been applied extensively

Throughout the world. According to one report of W .H. O. DDT has been responsible for the

Spectacular increase in agriculture as well as eradication of several vector-borne diseases.

Because of its acute toxicity to au living being the use of DDT has been banned in developed

Countries. But its production, instead of a decrease~ is indicating a relative increase. A

Hypothesis of a 'southward tilt' of DGT has been suggested meaning thereby it’s unabated and

Increasing use in the developing countries. Although numerous types of pesticides, herbicides,

Insecticides, fungicides etc. are commonly used these. Can broadly be classified into three

Categories, namely, organ chlorine, Organophosphates and Carbama tes. Of these, the

Organohlorine pesticides like DDT, BHC, Aldine, Delran, Endrin, Toxa- phene etc. are called

Persistent chemicals with long half-lives. The other two groups of pesticides

(Organophosphates and Carbamates), on the other hand, have relatfvely short half-lives as

They are easily biodegraded to harmless substan- ces. Hence they do not pose any serious

Environmental problems. The oceans have always been the ultimate sink for all t-hese

chemicals used on land. It is estimated that about 25% of the DDT compounds, produced to

Date, might have been transferred to the sea. It has also been estimated ·.that DDT compounds

In the marine biota amounts to about 0.1% of its total use. Even such small amounts have

Produced a significant impact. Effects, such as reproductive failures of seabirds and fish,

Inhibition of photosynthetic productivity of alg~e are a few examples apart from its transfer

Into the marine food chain. Oa ta on the. To fan consumption of pesticides in Indian Ocean
Countries are · almost non-existent. However, extrapolating the ratio of 2:1 between total

Landmass and agricultural area and the pesticides annual consumption rate of 336 g/ha in India

To the total land area of all the countries the figure for yearly pesticides consumption works

Out to about 160 QOO tonnes. We believe this figure may be accepted as a first approximation.

Monitoring of _o_rganochlorines, particularly in water, is ex- tremely susceptible to

Contamination and hence such values are almost non-existent. Concentrations in biota and

Plankton are available from India, Thailand, Malaysia and Philippines. All the values in general,

Barring exceptions on rare occasions are fairly low.

Recent studies in India

on pesticide residues in the sediments indicia ted that apart

Concentrations between east and west coasts of India. Concentrations along the east coast are
in ppm while those along the west coast are in ppb. The east coast receives the major volume
of river runoff from India and high concern- tractions are noted at river mouths mainly. This
leads us to believe in the riverine transport of pesticide residues.
Marine environment is playing a crucial role in the economy and li testy le of the countries of
the region. The environment is already under stress in many countries and will have to bear the
major brunt of the effect of development. But man is becoming more and more aware of the
value of his environment and significance of its preservation. Baseline research and survey to
collect data to filling up the existing gaps are already either at the planning or at the
implements tion stage. Adequate measures are being taken sometimes by the country alone
and sometimes in collaboration with neighboring countries and often with funding and
expertise of international organizations. Available environmental pollution control legislations
are strictly implemented more and more. The nature and geographical·onfiguration of the
Indian Ocean provide a heal thy influence on the well-being of this region. This Ocean is
subjected, almost throughout, to the impact of semi-diurnal tide of large amplitude and its
northern part is influenced by the bi-annual reversal of monsoon winds and the resulting sea
currents. These features give this area enough flushing twice every day and water exchange to
dilute and disperse the incoming pollution load.

An estimated 414 million pieces of plastic have been found washed ashore on the
beaches of remote Cocos (Keeling) Islands in the Indian Ocean. United Nations states
that 8 million tons of plastic end up in the ocean, every year, wreaking havoc on wildlife.
To be precise, plastic pollution ends up taking lives of 1 million seabirds and 100,000
marine mammals every year.
Photograph: Jennifer Lavers

Oceans cover more than 71 percent of the planet, host up to 80 percent of life on earth
and account for 96 percent of all water. Moreover, Oceans help in producing more than
half of the oxygen in the atmosphere and absorb about 25 percent of all human carbon
emissions and yet, this lifeblood of the planet is today choking with all things
plastic. Ocean Pollution is one of the biggest threats the world is facing right now.

In a bid to raise public awareness and encourage citizen action to protect oceans,
United Nations started observing World Oceans Day on June 8 every year. The
objective of this day is to unite citizens on a project that will help sustain world’s ocean.
This year, the theme for Oceans Day is Gender Equality, which in the view of the UN is
vital for sustaining the ongoing crises. As per current estimates, women occupy only
around 27 percent of parliaments worldwide, and make up 38 percent of the scientific
community studying oceans. Today, despite making up roughly half the workforce in
developed nations, women continue to be paid less than men at the same positions (36
percent less, to be precise). Women and children were also found to be a lot more
vulnerable to some of the adverse effects of climate change.
India’s Contribution towards Plastic Pollution in the Oceans

In 2015, a report by the United Nations Environment Programme said that Ocean
Pollution was quite high in India. The report informed that India dumped 0.6 tonnes of
plastic waste into oceans annually. It ranked 12th among the top 20 countries
responsible for marine pollution. The numbers showed how marine pollution had
climbed up to become one of India’s critical pollution problems apart from land and air
pollution. Discarded plastic and debris continues to be dumped in India’s oceans and
the lack of an overarching system to monitor levels of pollution in the ocean was one of
the deterrents to combat ocean pollution in India, but not any longer.

Three of the world’s ten rivers which carry 90% of plastic to the world’s oceans are in
India – the Indus, Ganga, and the Brahmaputra, says another report published in 2017
in Environmental Science and Technology, a global journal.

Some of the major causes of ocean pollution are:

Sewage
Sewage is defined as wastewater and its component excrements that are transported in
the sewer system. Sewage is mostly comprised of the human waste from toilet flushing,
dirty water from bathing and even animal waste. Most of the wastes find their way into
the ocean waters through the sewer systems.

Industrial Chemicals Another major pollutant is the chemicals from industries and from
the fertilizers and other farm products that are carried by run-off water into the ocean
waters. Many industries dump their waste materials and chemicals into the ocean
waters.

Nuclear Waste Another major ocean pollutant is the nuclear waste, which is mostly
produced from industrial, medical, and also scientific procedures that use radioactive
material. The common industries that produce nuclear waste include power stations, the
military, and reprocessing plants.

Plastics Plastic pollution mainly involves the accumulation of plastic in the ocean waters
and thus causing adverse effects on marine organisms. Marine organisms are affected
by the plastics through direct ingestion of the plastic wastes and also through exposure
to chemicals that are within the plastics.

Oil Spills Oil spillage is another primary cause of ocean pollution in that the oil forms a
layer on the water preventing oxygen circulation. Lack of oxygen in the ocean waters
results in the destruction of marine life over a long period.

Ocean Mining
Ocean mining in the deep sea is yet another source of ocean pollution. Ocean mining
sites drilling for silver, gold, copper, cobalt, and zinc create sulfide deposits up to three
and a half thousand meters down into the ocean.
According to National Geographic, “Many ocean pollutants are released into the
environment far upstream from coastlines. Nitrogen-rich fertilizers applied by farmers
inland, for example, end up in local streams, rivers, and groundwater and are eventually
deposited in estuaries, bays, and deltas. These excess nutrients can spawn massive
blooms of algae that rob the water of oxygen, leaving areas where little or no marine life
can exist.”

Here are a few ways to control the damage done to the oceans:

Ditch single-use plastics

Out of all the pollutants found on the ocean beds, single-use plastics are the highest in
number.  They contribute to habitat destruction and entangle and kill tens of thousands
of marine animals each year. Carry a reusable water bottle, store food in non
disposable containers, bring your own cloth tote or other reusable bag when shopping,
and recycle whenever possible.

Avoid online food ordering

Most of the food ordered online, comes in unrecyclable plastic. Even the biodegradable
plastics need favorable conditions to disintegrate safely. As often as possible, choose to
go plastic-free, and opt for home-cooked and packed meals.

Reduce energy consumption

Reduce the effects of climate change on the ocean by leaving the car at home when
you can and being conscious of your energy use at home and work.

Support oceans and marine conservation projects

Contact your local representatives to let them know you support marine conservation
projects and volunteer when you have a chance to.

Educate Yourself About Oceans and Marine Life

All life on Earth is connected to the ocean and its inhabitants. The more you learn about
the issues facing this vital system, the more you’ll want to help ensure its health—then
share that knowledge to educate and inspire others.
Conclusion
In India, the concern for environmental protection has not only been raised to the status of fundamental
law of the land, but it is also wedded with human rights approach and it is now well established that, it is
the basic human right of every individual to live in pollution free environment with full human dignity.

It is high time that the general public, public entities, state and central government realize the damage,
which our developmental process has made to the living environment.

For the success of the local government laws relating to the environment it is essential to create a sense
of civic consciousness and public hygiene in the use of municipal services like roads, public places,
drainage etc. Strict enforcement of the provisions of law also is needed. Law is a strong medium to
compel the citizens to observe cleanliness and thereby to combat pollution. Environmental protection
laws in India need a new orientation in the modern context.

As Paul Bigelow Sears said, “How far must suffering and misery go before we see that even in the day of
vast cities and powerful machines, the good earth is our mother and that if we destroy her, we destroy
ourselves.”

References
1. ^ The Little Green Data Book, The World Bank, 2010
2. ^ Environment Assessment, Country Data: India, The World Bank, 2011
3. ^ "Global Forest Resources Assessment 2010"  (PDF). FAO. 2011.
4. ^ "Exclusive: India set to outlaw six single-use plastic products on..."  Reuters. 29 August
2019. Retrieved  29 August 2019.
5. ^ Henrik Urdal  (July 2005). "People vs. Malthus: Population Pressure, Environmental
Degradation, and Armed Conflict Revisited". Journal of Peace Research. 42 (4): 417–
434.  Doi:10.1177/0022343305054089.
6. ^ Environmental Issues, Law and Technology – An Indian Perspective. Ramesha Chandrappa
and Ravi.D.R, Research India Publication, Delhi, 2009, ISBN 978-81-904362-5-0
7. ^ Milind Kandlikar, Gurumurthy Ramachandran (2000). "2000: India: THE CAUSES AND
CONSEQUENCES OF PARTICULATE AIR POLLUTION IN URBAN INDIA: A Synthesis of the
Science".  Annual Review of Energy and the Environment.  25: 629–
684.  Doi:10.1146/annurev.energy.25.1.629.
8. ^ Jump up to: a b "Drowning in a Sea of Garbage". The New York Times. 22 April 2010.

9  Steve karthik kjournal=International Journal of Environmental Health Research; Tripathi, Anshuman;

Mishra, Rajesh Kumar; Bouskill, Nik; Broadaway, Susan C.; Pyle, Barry H.; Ford, Timothy E.; et al. (2006).
"The role of water use patterns and sewage pollution in incidence of water-borne/enteric diseases along
 the Ganges River in Varanasi, India".  International Journal of Environmental Health Research.  16  (2):
113–132. doi:10.1080/09603120500538226.  PMID  16546805.

10 ^ Klement Tockner and Jack A. Stanford (2002).  "Riverine flood plains: present state and future
trends"  (PDF).  Environmental Conservation. 29 (3): 308–330. Doi:10.1017/S037689290200022X.

11. British Petroleum 1985 Statistical review of world energy (British

Petroleum Lc: mdon) 32pp.

12. Budyko, M.I. 1972 the water balance of the oceans. In: The World

Water Balance. Proc. of the Reading Symposium 1970. IASH-

13. UNESCO-WMO- Studies and Reports in hydrology, II 1:24-33.

Couper; A. (ed.) 1983 the Times Atlas of the Oceans, Times-Books

Ltd., London.