Q. Identify the key anthropogenic factors contributing to environmental pollution in Indian cities. Propose sustainable urban planning strategies and policy interventions that can effectively mitigate pollution levels while balancing economic growth and ecological integrity.
Ans: Environmental pollution in Indian cities is largely driven by human-induced activities, which have intensified due to rapid urbanization, industrial expansion, and lifestyle changes. These factors not only degrade air, water, and soil quality but also pose serious health and ecological risks.
Key Anthropogenic Factors Contributing to Pollution
- Vehicular Emissions
- Unregulated growth of private vehicles, outdated engines, and traffic congestion release high levels of PM2.5, NOx, and CO.
- Industrial Discharges
- Factories emit toxic gases, effluents, and particulate matter, especially in cities near industrial clusters.
- Construction Activities
- Dust from construction sites and demolition contributes to PM10 levels and deteriorates air quality.
- Solid Waste Mismanagement
- Open dumping and burning of garbage release methane, dioxins, and foul odors, affecting both air and water.
- Use of Fossil Fuels
- Reliance on coal and diesel for power and transport increases greenhouse gas emissions and thermal pollution.
- Household Pollution
- Use of biomass fuels, kerosene lamps, and non-ventilated cooking methods in low-income areas adds to indoor and ambient pollution.
- Stubble Burning and Agricultural Runoff
- Though rural in origin, these practices affect urban air and water quality, especially in northern cities.
Sustainable Urban Planning Strategies
- Transit-Oriented Development (TOD)
- Promote public transport, cycling, and walkability to reduce vehicular dependence.
- Green Infrastructure
- Develop urban forests, green roofs, and bioswales to absorb pollutants and regulate microclimate.
- Mixed Land Use and Compact Cities
- Reduce travel distances and encourage live-work-play neighborhoods to cut emissions.
- Smart Waste Management
- Implement segregation at source, decentralized composting, and waste-to-energy systems.
- Eco-Sensitive Zoning
- Protect wetlands, rivers, and natural buffers through zoning regulations and urban biodiversity corridors.
- Climate-Responsive Architecture
- Encourage passive cooling, solar energy, and rainwater harvesting in building codes.
Policy Interventions for Pollution Mitigation
- National Clean Air Programme (NCAP)
- Strengthen implementation with real-time monitoring, source apportionment, and city-specific action plans.
- Green Urban Mobility Policies
- Incentivize electric vehicles, CNG adoption, and non-motorized transport infrastructure.
- Urban Emission Zones
- Create Low Emission Zones (LEZs) to restrict polluting vehicles and industries in sensitive areas.
- Pollution Tax and Incentives
- Levy taxes on high-emission activities and provide subsidies for clean technologies and green startups.
- Decentralized Governance
- Empower Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) with funds and autonomy to implement localized pollution control measures.
- Public Awareness and Citizen Science
- Launch campaigns and platforms for community monitoring, behavioral change, and data sharing.
Conclusion
Balancing economic growth with ecological integrity requires a shift from reactive pollution control to proactive urban design and policy innovation. By integrating sustainability into planning, India can build cities that are livable, resilient, and environmentally just.