Challenges to India's Environment
Class 12 Indian Economic Development — Six priority environmental challenges, air pollution control, and the role of CPCB
Six Priority Environmental Challenges
Land degradation refers to a decline in overall quality of soil, water, or vegetation condition.
Occurs through wind erosion, water erosion, and water logging.
Leads to loss of invaluable nutrients and lower food grain production.
Causes: deforestation, overgrazing, non-adoption of soil conservation, unsustainable fuel wood extraction, improper crop rotation, indiscriminate agrochemical use.
Ways to Control Air Pollution
Promotion of public transport like Delhi Metro. Effective traffic planning.
Promotion of cleaner fuels — CNG instead of petrol and diesel.
Use of cleaner fuels like LPG in households to reduce indoor air pollution.
Promote cleaner technologies, strengthen emission standards, introduce economic incentives.
Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB)
Key Functions of CPCB
Investigation
Investigate, collect, and disseminate information on water, air, and land pollution.
Standards
Lay down standards for sewage/trade effluent and emissions.
Technical Assistance
Provide technical assistance to governments in promoting cleanliness.
Research
Carry out investigation and research on pollution problems.
Mass Awareness
Organise comprehensive mass awareness programmes.
Manuals
Prepare manuals, codes, and guidelines for treatment and disposal.
Air Quality Assessment
Assess air quality through regulation of industries.
Industry Inspection
Periodically inspect every industry through district officials.
Background Data
Provide background air quality data for industrial siting.
Water Monitoring
⭐ Monitor quality of water in 125 rivers, wells, lakes, ponds, tanks, drains and canals.
Key Takeaways
Key Takeaways
- India faces six priority environmental challenges: land degradation, deforestation, soil erosion, biodiversity loss, water pollution, and air pollution.
- ⭐ Per capita forestland in India is only 0.06 hectare against requirement of 0.47 hectare — severe deforestation crisis.
- Motor vehicles grew from 3 lakh (1951) to 34 crores (2023) — making vehicles the biggest contributors to air pollution in Indian cities.
- Water pollution is life-threatening: unsafe water kills more people each year than war and all other forms of violence combined.
- CPCB (established 1974) monitors pollution, sets standards, and carries out research — state-level boards supplement its work.
- Control measures include: public transport (Delhi Metro), cleaner fuels (CNG, LPG), emission standards, and economic incentives.