A breath of fresh air has become quite unlikely for the densely populated Indian

cities. Air pollution caused by the release of pollutants in the form of chemicals,
gases, ash is increasing at an alarming rate. India is home to one-fifth of the
world population and every year, nearly 1.2 million deaths are reported due to air
pollution. The contamination of air due to pollutants has destroyed the natural
balance of the environment, impairing human, and all other life forms.

Causes of Air Pollution in India:

1. Industrialization:
India is marching ahead on its way to become an Industrial Super Power of
modern times. The flip side is to achieve this goal is the high levels of organic
compounds, hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide and chemicals released into the air
by the industries.

2. Burning Natural Resources:

The thermal power stations significantly escalate air pollution by releasing
enormous amounts of fly ash, carbon compounds, and SO2. The population
explosion has expanded the reins of Indian cities, resulting in a pathetic traffic
condition on the roads. Vehicles on the road release gases and dangerous fumes
by carelessly burning petroleum and other fossil fuels.
3. Agricultural Practices:
The Indian farmers are indiscriminately using pesticides and fertilizers to
increase their produce. These chemicals release hazardous ammonia gas, which
is a major pollutant. The smog released due to stubble majoring in nearby
agricultural lands was the major reason for choked the air in New Delhi.

Effects:
1. Climate Change:
The biggest threat of air pollution is undoubtedly global warming and climate
change. With every passing day the rise in temperature is drying up water
resources, irregular rainfall is doing massive damage to the agriculture sector.

2. Health Hazards:
Air pollution is causing numerous respiratory disorders such as pneumonia,
throat, nose or lungs irritations and asthma. People living in poor sanitation are
subjected to harmful gases and chemicals which lead to severe health ailments.
3. Depletion of Ozone Layer:
Being a global citizen all Indians share equal responsibility to save the Ozone
layer from depletion. Thinning of the Ozone layer results in harmful Ultraviolet
(UV) rays coming back on earth leading to severe abnormalities, skin, and eye
problems.

Prevention of Air Pollution:

The Indian Government has passed the Air Pollution Act of 1981, which clearly
forbids industries, power plants and vehicles from releasing particulate matter,
carbon monoxide, lead or other toxic materials beyond a cited level. Using public
transport such as train or bus will greatly reduce the number of vehicles on the
road and successively decrease the air pollution. By switching to green energy
and renewable energy resources like solar, wind or hydroelectric, common
people can prominently contribute to reduce air pollution. To plant more trees is
the simplest solution to this colossal crisis.

Conclusion:
Our future generations have a birth right to breathe clean air. India is at the brink
of witnessing a national catastrophe if immediate measures are not taken to
condemn Air Pollution. Awareness on this grave topic must be created on a large
scale so that our daily practices are not contributing to these problems. All
Indians must pledge and take concrete steps to eliminate air pollution.