Model Answer
0 min readIntroduction
Urbanization, defined as the increasing concentration of population in urban areas, is a significant demographic trend in India. Driven by rural-to-urban migration seeking economic opportunities, and natural population growth, India’s urban population has risen dramatically from 17.3% in 1951 to approximately 35% in 2023 (based on knowledge cutoff). This rapid and often unplanned urbanization exerts immense pressure on existing infrastructure and resources, leading to severe environmental consequences, particularly in the form of air and water pollution. The unchecked growth of cities contributes significantly to the degradation of environmental quality, impacting public health and ecological balance.
Air Pollution due to Urbanization
Urban areas in India are major hotspots of air pollution. Several factors contribute to this:
- Vehicular Emissions: The increasing number of vehicles, particularly older and poorly maintained ones, release pollutants like particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10), nitrogen oxides (NOx), carbon monoxide (CO), and hydrocarbons. Cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Kolkata consistently exceed permissible pollution levels.
- Industrial Emissions: Concentration of industries in and around urban centers releases pollutants like sulfur dioxide (SO2), NOx, and heavy metals. The lack of stringent enforcement of pollution control norms exacerbates the problem.
- Construction Activities: Rapid construction generates significant dust pollution, contributing to PM10 levels.
- Waste Burning: Open burning of municipal solid waste is a common practice in many Indian cities, releasing harmful pollutants into the air.
- Residential Fuel Burning: Use of biomass and coal for cooking and heating in low-income households contributes to indoor and outdoor air pollution.
Water Pollution due to Urbanization
Urbanization significantly degrades water quality through various pathways:
- Untreated Sewage Discharge: A large proportion of urban sewage is discharged directly into rivers and lakes without adequate treatment. This introduces organic matter, pathogens, and nutrients, leading to eutrophication and oxygen depletion. The Ganga and Yamuna rivers are prime examples.
- Industrial Effluents: Industries discharge untreated or partially treated effluents containing toxic chemicals, heavy metals, and organic pollutants into water bodies.
- Surface Runoff: Increased impervious surfaces (roads, buildings) lead to increased surface runoff, carrying pollutants like oil, grease, and heavy metals into water bodies.
- Solid Waste Leachate: Leachate from landfills contaminates groundwater and surface water.
- Agricultural Runoff: While primarily a rural issue, urbanization encroaches on agricultural land, increasing fertilizer and pesticide runoff into water sources.
Regional Variations and Examples
The impact of urbanization on pollution varies regionally:
| City | Air Pollution Issues | Water Pollution Issues |
|---|---|---|
| Delhi | High PM2.5 levels due to vehicular emissions, industrial pollution, and stubble burning. | Yamuna River heavily polluted by untreated sewage and industrial effluents. |
| Mumbai | Congestion and vehicular emissions contribute to air pollution. | Mithi River severely polluted by industrial discharge and sewage. |
| Kolkata | Industrial emissions and vehicular pollution are major concerns. | Hooghly River polluted by industrial effluents and municipal waste. |
| Bangalore | Rapid urbanization and vehicle growth lead to air pollution. | Bellandur Lake and Varthur Lake heavily polluted by untreated sewage and industrial effluents. |
The National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) launched in 2019 aims to reduce PM2.5 and PM10 concentrations in 122 cities. Similarly, the Namami Gange programme focuses on cleaning and rejuvenating the Ganga river, addressing water pollution issues.
Conclusion
Urbanization in India, while essential for economic development, presents significant challenges to environmental sustainability. The unchecked growth of cities leads to severe air and water pollution, impacting public health and ecosystems. Addressing this requires integrated urban planning, investment in public transportation, stricter enforcement of pollution control norms, improved waste management practices, and effective sewage treatment infrastructure. A shift towards sustainable urban development is crucial for ensuring a healthy and livable environment for future generations.
Answer Length
This is a comprehensive model answer for learning purposes and may exceed the word limit. In the exam, always adhere to the prescribed word count.