ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE ASSIGNMENT

Topic: Current Pollution Case Studies

Submitted By: Submitted to:

Shashank Gupta Apoorva Mam

Roll no- 4056 Department of English

Department of History

Let's discuss two pollution case studies: the Ganga Action Plan (GAP) and Delhi Air

Pollution and public health issues.

Ganga Action Plan (GAP): Historical Background: The Ganga, also known as

the Ganges, is one of the most sacred rivers in India. However, over the years, it

has been severely polluted due to industrial waste, sewage discharge, and

religious practices. The Ganga Action Plan was launched in 1985 by the

Government of India to address the pollution of the Ganga River.

Causes: The pollution of the Ganga River can be attributed to various factors. Industrial

waste, including toxic chemicals and heavy metals, is discharged into the river without

proper treatment. The discharge of untreated sewage from urban areas and open

defecation along the riverbanks contribute to pollution. Moreover, religious activities

such as the immersion of idols and the dumping of human remains further deteriorate

the river's water quality.

Preventive Measures: The Ganga Action Plan aimed to implement several preventive

measures. It focused on setting up sewage treatment plants, improving the sanitation

infrastructure along the river, and promoting public awareness about the importance of a

clean Ganga. The plan also emphasized the regulation and treatment of industrial

effluents before their discharge into the river.

Committees formed: The government established the Central Ganga Authority to

oversee the implementation of the Ganga Action Plan. Additionally, various other

committees, such as the National Ganga River Basin Authority (NGRBA), were formed

to coordinate the efforts of different stakeholders and monitor the progress of the plan.

Challenges: The Ganga Action Plan faced several challenges. The rapid urbanization

and industrialization along the river posed difficulties in managing the increasing

pollution load. Insufficient funding, inadequate treatment infrastructure, and lack of

public participation were major hurdles in achieving the desired results. Additionally, the

religious sentiments and cultural practices associated with the Ganga River presented

challenges in implementing pollution control measures effectively.

Future Plan: In recent years, the government has launched the Namami Gange

program as an extension of the Ganga Action Plan. This program aims to revive and

restore the Ganga River by focusing on integrated river basin management, sewage

treatment infrastructure development, and awareness campaigns. The program also

seeks to involve various stakeholders, including local communities, in the conservation

efforts.

Delhi Air Pollution and Public Health Issues: Historical Background: Delhi, the

capital city of India, has been grappling with severe air pollution for several years.

The problem has escalated due to a combination of factors such as vehicular

emissions, industrial pollution, construction activities, biomass burning, and

 geographical factors like dust storms. The air quality in Delhi reaches hazardous

levels during the winter months, leading to significant public health issues.

Causes: The causes of air pollution in Delhi are multifaceted. Vehicular emissions

contribute significantly, especially from diesel vehicles and older, poorly maintained

vehicles. Industrial emissions, particularly from nearby industries, worsen the pollution

levels. Construction activities generate dust particles, adding to the pollution.

Agricultural practices like stubble burning in neighbouring states during the post-harvest

season also significantly impact Delhi's air quality.

Preventive Measures: The government and various organizations have taken several

preventive measures to combat air pollution in Delhi. These include implementing

stricter vehicular emission norms, promoting public transportation, restricting industrial

emissions, imposing bans on certain construction activities, and encouraging the use of

cleaner fuel alternatives. The introduction of the odd-even vehicle rationing scheme,

where vehicles with odd and even-numbered license plates were allowed to ply on

alternate days, aimed to reduce vehicular pollution.

Committees formed: The government has formed committees such as the Central

Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and the Environment Pollution (Prevention and Control)

Authority (EPCA) to address the air pollution issue in Delhi. These committees monitor

the air quality, enforce regulations, and recommend measures to tackle pollution.

Challenges: Delhi's air pollution problem poses significant challenges due to various

factors. The city's geographical location, with its proximity to dust-prone regions,

exacerbates the problem. Coordinating efforts between different agencies and states to

control stubble burning remains challenging. The high number of vehicles, inadequate
public transportation infrastructure, and public resistance to certain measures also pose

hurdles.

Future Plan: The government has been focusing on both short-term and long-term

solutions to address Delhi's air pollution. These include promoting electric vehicles,

expanding the public transportation system, implementing stricter emission norms, and

investing in renewable energy sources. Additionally, the government aims to encourage

sustainable agricultural practices and provide support to farmers to prevent stubble

burning. Continuous monitoring and improvement of air quality management systems

are crucial aspects of the future plan.

It is worth mentioning that the Bhopal Gas Tragedy, which occurred in 1984, was one of

the world's most devastating industrial disasters caused by a gas leak at the Union

Carbide India Limited (UCIL) pesticide plant. However, since you requested two case

studies, I have provided information on the Ganga Action Plan and Delhi Air Pollution

instead.