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India's rapid economic growth has come at a significant environmental cost. As the country industrialises and urbanises at an unprecedented pace, it faces severe air and water pollution, deforestation, industrial waste, and growing vulnerability to climate change. At the same time, India is investing heavily in renewable energy and sustainability initiatives. This lesson examines both the environmental damage and the efforts to address it — essential knowledge for the Edexcel B specification.
Air pollution is one of India's most visible and deadly environmental problems.
| Source | Contribution | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Vehicle emissions | ~25% of urban air pollution | 350 million+ registered vehicles; many are older, less efficient models |
| Industrial emissions | ~20–25% | Factories, power plants (particularly coal-fired), and construction activity |
| Crop burning | Seasonal peaks | Farmers in Punjab and Haryana burn rice stubble after harvest, creating massive smoke clouds over Delhi |
| Domestic fuel burning | ~25% | Over 600 million people still cook with biomass fuels (wood, dung, crop residue) |
| Construction dust | ~10% | Rapid urbanisation generates enormous amounts of particulate matter |
| Coal power stations | Major source | India has over 280 coal-fired power plants; coal provides ~55% of electricity |
Delhi is frequently ranked as the world's most polluted capital city:
| Indicator | Detail |
|---|---|
| Average PM2.5 level | ~100 µg/m³ (WHO guideline is 5 µg/m³ — 20x the safe level) |
| Winter peaks | PM2.5 can exceed 500 µg/m³ in November–January |
| Health impact | Estimated 12,000–20,000 premature deaths per year from air pollution in Delhi alone |
| Children affected | Over 2 million children in Delhi suffer from respiratory conditions |
| Visibility | Smog reduces visibility to less than 200 metres during winter peaks |
Responses to Delhi's air pollution:
Exam Tip: Delhi is an excellent case study for air pollution. Learn at least three causes and three responses, with specific data for each. This level of detail will impress examiners.
India's rivers, groundwater, and coastal waters face severe pollution from industrial, agricultural, and domestic sources.
The Ganges (Ganga) is central to Hindu culture — it is worshipped as a goddess and used for religious ceremonies, bathing, and cremation. However, it is also one of the world's most polluted rivers.
| Pollution Source | Details |
|---|---|
| Untreated sewage | Over 3 billion litres of untreated sewage enter the Ganges daily; only ~37% of sewage generated along the river is treated |
| Industrial effluent | Over 760 industries along the river discharge waste directly into it, including tanneries, sugar mills, and chemical factories |
| Agricultural runoff | Pesticides and fertilisers wash into the river from farmland |
| Religious practices | Cremation ashes and partially burnt bodies are released into the river; flowers, offerings, and plastic pollution |
| Bathing and washing | Millions use the river daily for bathing, washing clothes, and cleaning animals |
The government's Namami Gange programme (launched 2014, budget ~$5 billion) aims to clean the river:
India has lost significant forest cover due to development pressures, though recent afforestation efforts have had some success.
| Indicator | Value |
|---|---|
| Total forest cover | ~713,789 km² (21.7% of land area) |
| Annual deforestation rate | Approximately 1,500 km² per year (though offset by afforestation) |
| Dense forest decline | Tropical dense forest has declined significantly in north-east India and Western Ghats |
| Main causes | Agriculture expansion, mining, urbanisation, infrastructure development |
| Biodiversity impact | India has 96,000+ animal species and 47,000+ plant species; many are threatened |
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