SOLUTIONS

AIR POLLUTION

Air pollution arises from diverse sources, including coal-based power generation, transport, industry and agriculture. Solutions include:

➘ Efficient transport, including better public transport systems and measures like car pooling

➘ A shift from petrol and diesel vehicles to CNG and electric versions

➘ A shift to renewable sources of energy like solar and wind power

➘ Better agricultural techniques, such as mechanical removal of stubble rather than burning

SOIL POLLUTION

Soil pollutants can be solid, liquid or gaseous. They damage soil by altering its mineral composition and also disturb ecological balances. Causes include urban and industrial waste and agricultural pollution. Solutions include:

➘ Better waste management, including collection, segregation, recycling and treatment of waste to reduce the amount dumped into landfills

➘ Reduction in the use of chemical fertilisers and pesticides

➘ Better enforcement of existing laws relating to waste management and polluting industries

WATER POLLUTION

Almost 80 per cent of India’s water bodies are highly polluted. This is especially true of water sources in the immediate vicinity of human habitation, including above-ground and underground water sources. Solutions include:

➘ Better enforcement of wasterelated laws on industries that dump effluents into water bodies like rivers

➘ Better execution of government programmes like the Swachh Ganga initiative to ensure that they are more than PR initiatives