Geography · Ch 17 — Geographical Perspective on Selected Issues and Problems
Air Pollution
Air Pollution
Air pollution means adding harmful substances — dust, fumes, gas, fog, odour, smoke, or vapour — to the air in amounts and for durations that can damage plants, animals, and property.
The main reason for rising air pollution is the growing use of different fuels for energy. Burning these fuels releases large amounts of toxic gases into the atmosphere.
Major sources of air pollution
- Combustion of fossil fuels (coal, petroleum, natural gas)
- Mining operations
- Industrial activities
Key pollutants released
These processes release oxides of sulphur and nitrogen, hydrocarbons, carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, lead, and asbestos.
Health effects
Air pollution causes diseases of the respiratory system, nervous system, and circulatory system.
The textbook mentions the Namami Gange Programme and smog in Mumbai as examples under this section, but does not provide detailed content on smog in Mumbai beyond its title. The programme details are given below as they appear in the text.
Namami Gange Programme
The Ganga river holds national importance and needs cleaning by effectively controlling pollution in its water. The Union Government launched this programme with these objectives:
- Developing sewerage treatment systems in towns
- Monitoring industrial effluents
- Developing the river front …