Model Answer
0 min readIntroduction
India has witnessed rapid urbanization, with a significant rise in ‘million-plus cities’ – urban areas with a population exceeding one million. As of 2023, India has 53 such cities, contributing significantly to the nation’s GDP but also facing immense environmental challenges. These cities grapple with a complex interplay of factors leading to degraded living environments, impacting public health and overall sustainability. The concentration of population and economic activities puts immense strain on existing infrastructure and natural resources, necessitating effective management strategies to ensure a livable future.
Problems Associated with the Living Environment
Million-plus cities in India face a multitude of environmental problems, broadly categorized as follows:
1. Air Pollution
- Sources: Vehicular emissions, industrial effluents, construction activities, burning of fossil fuels, and dust.
- Impacts: Respiratory illnesses, cardiovascular diseases, reduced life expectancy. Delhi consistently ranks among the most polluted cities globally.
- Data: According to the World Air Quality Report 2023, Delhi’s PM2.5 levels were 92.6 µg/m³, significantly exceeding the WHO safe limit of 5 µg/m³.
2. Water Pollution
- Sources: Untreated sewage discharge, industrial waste, agricultural runoff, and encroachment on water bodies.
- Impacts: Waterborne diseases, contamination of groundwater, ecological damage. The Ganga and Yamuna rivers are severely polluted due to untreated sewage and industrial discharge.
- Example: The Mithi River in Mumbai, once a vital waterway, is now heavily polluted and often overflows during monsoon, causing flooding and health hazards.
3. Waste Management
- Challenges: Inadequate waste collection and segregation, lack of proper landfill sites, inefficient waste processing technologies.
- Impacts: Land and water contamination, health risks, aesthetic pollution.
- Statistic: As per the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) report 2022, India generates over 150,000 tonnes of municipal solid waste daily.
4. Inadequate Infrastructure
- Issues: Insufficient housing, overcrowded slums, inadequate sanitation facilities, poor drainage systems, and limited green spaces.
- Impacts: Spread of diseases, reduced quality of life, increased vulnerability to natural disasters.
5. Noise Pollution
- Sources: Traffic, construction, industrial activities, and social gatherings.
- Impacts: Hearing loss, stress, sleep disturbances, and cardiovascular problems.
Managing the Problems
Effective management of these problems requires a multi-pronged approach:
1. Policy and Regulatory Measures
- Strengthening Environmental Laws: Strict enforcement of pollution control norms and regulations.
- Urban Planning: Integrated land use planning, promoting compact and mixed-use development.
- Vehicle Emission Standards: Implementing stricter emission standards (Bharat Stage VI) and promoting electric vehicles.
2. Technological Solutions
- Waste-to-Energy Plants: Converting waste into energy to reduce landfill burden.
- Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs): Investing in advanced STPs to treat wastewater before discharge.
- Air Purification Technologies: Deploying air purifiers in public spaces and promoting green building technologies.
- Smart City Initiatives: Utilizing technology for efficient waste management, traffic control, and resource monitoring.
3. Community Participation
- Awareness Campaigns: Educating citizens about environmental issues and promoting responsible behavior.
- Segregation at Source: Encouraging households to segregate waste for recycling.
- Public Transportation: Promoting the use of public transportation, cycling, and walking.
- Citizen Science: Involving citizens in monitoring air and water quality.
4. Sustainable Urban Mobility
- Metro Rail Projects: Expanding metro rail networks to reduce traffic congestion.
- Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) Systems: Implementing BRT systems for efficient public transportation.
- Pedestrian and Cycle-Friendly Infrastructure: Creating dedicated pedestrian and cycle lanes.
Conclusion
Addressing the environmental challenges in Indian million-plus cities is crucial for ensuring sustainable urban development and improving the quality of life for millions. A holistic approach integrating stringent policies, innovative technologies, and active community participation is essential. Prioritizing investments in infrastructure, promoting sustainable mobility, and fostering environmental awareness will pave the way for healthier and more livable urban environments. The success of these efforts will be pivotal in achieving India’s sustainable development goals.
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.