Geographical Perspective on Selected Issues and Problems

Learning Outcomes

1. Understand the concept of environmental pollution and its different types.
2. Identify the sources and effects of water pollution in India.
3. Analyze the causes and impacts of air pollution on human health.
4. Comprehend the issues related to urban waste disposal and noise pollution.
5. Explore rural-urban migration and the challenges of slum areas in India.
6. Recognize land degradation processes and watershed management programs.

Environmental Pollution

Environmental pollution is defined as the release of substances and energy from waste products of human activities into the environment. Pollution is categorized based on the medium through which pollutants are diffused: air pollution, water pollution, land pollution, and noise pollution.

Water Pollution

Human activities, particularly industrialization and population growth, have severely impacted the quality of water. Surface water in rivers, lakes, and canals often contains pollutants like suspended particles, organic and inorganic substances. When the concentration of these pollutants increases, the self-purifying capacity of water is overwhelmed, leading to contamination that is unsuitable for use.

1. Natural and Human Sources: Though natural sources such as erosion and decaying plant material contribute to pollution, the majority of pollutants arise from human activities, particularly industrial, agricultural, and cultural practices.
2. Industrial Contributions: Industries, especially leather, pulp and paper, textiles, and chemical plants, discharge heavy metals and toxic effluents into rivers and water bodies, severely polluting them.
3. Agricultural Runoff: Modern agriculture’s use of fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicides leads to water pollution when these chemicals are washed into rivers or percolate into groundwater.
4. Cultural Activities: Religious events, pilgrimages, and festivals often increase the pollutant load in water bodies, particularly rivers.

Important Note:

Water-borne diseases like diarrhea, intestinal worms, and hepatitis are commonly caused by polluted water. According to the World Health Organization, nearly one-fourth of communicable diseases in India stem from water pollution.

Air Pollution

Air pollution is the addition of harmful gases, fumes, dust, or vapors into the atmosphere, affecting both flora and fauna. The main sources of air pollution include:

1. Combustion of Fossil Fuels: The burning of coal, petrol, and diesel releases large quantities of carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, and oxides of nitrogen and sulfur.
2. Industries and Mining: These activities emit hydrocarbons, lead, and asbestos, which contribute to the pollution of the air.
3. Effects on Health: Exposure to polluted air causes respiratory and circulatory diseases, with smog posing a significant hazard in cities. Acid rain, formed by air pollution, further damages ecosystems and structures.

Noise Pollution

Noise pollution occurs when the level of sound becomes unbearable and uncomfortable for humans. The key sources of noise pollution include:

1. Factories and Industries: Large machinery and production processes generate significant noise.
2. Transportation: Aircraft, trains, and automobiles contribute to high levels of noise, particularly in urban areas.
3. Festivals and Events: Loudspeakers and other community events often lead to spikes in noise levels.

Important Note:

Noise pollution above 80 dB is considered hazardous. It can cause permanent damage to the human auditory system and contribute to stress and cardiovascular problems.

Urban Waste Disposal

Urban areas, particularly in India, are marked by overcrowding, congestion, and poor sanitation. Solid waste from households, industries, and commercial establishments is a growing concern.

1. Types of Solid Waste: This includes materials like metals, plastic containers, glassware, polythene bags, and electronic waste.
2. Disposal Issues: Most urban waste is disposed of on public lands or private contractor sites, leading to health hazards. Landfill areas accumulate waste, emitting harmful gases and contaminating water sources.
3. Health Impacts: Poorly managed waste leads to the spread of diseases like typhoid, diarrhea, and malaria, exacerbated by vectors like flies and rodents.

Table: Pollution Types and Sources

Rural-Urban Migration

The movement of people from rural to urban areas is driven by factors such as better job opportunities in cities, poor economic conditions in villages, and unbalanced development between urban and rural regions.

1. Economic Motivations: Migrants seek jobs in construction, manufacturing, and services in cities, often bypassing smaller towns.
2. Case Study – Ramesh: A migrant worker from Odisha, Ramesh, moved between cities for temporary construction work. His remittances helped improve the living standards of his family back in the village. However, he faced challenges such as cultural assimilation and temporary job insecurity.

Important Note:

Rural-urban migration is often male-dominated, with women and children remaining in rural areas. Migrants work in low-paying, high-risk jobs, contributing to informal urban economies but facing significant socio-economic challenges.

Problems of Slums

Slums are overcrowded, unsanitary urban areas where the poor, unable to afford housing, reside. Key problems in slum areas include:

1. Poor Living Conditions: Slums lack basic amenities like drinking water, sanitation, and ventilation.
2. Health Hazards: Open defecation, unregulated drainage, and poor hygiene contribute to health risks, including diseases like cholera and malnutrition.
3. Social Exclusion: Slum-dwellers face drug abuse, crime, and social alienation due to poverty and lack of access to education.

Table: Rural vs. Urban Population Statistics

Land Degradation

Land degradation is the process by which land loses its productive capacity. It is caused by both natural and human-induced factors, including:

1. Soil Erosion: Removal of topsoil due to wind or water, reducing agricultural productivity.
2. Waterlogging and Salinization: Excessive irrigation leads to water accumulation, while improper water management causes the buildup of salts in the soil.
3. Human-Induced Degradation: Deforestation, shifting cultivation, and industrial activities contribute to significant land degradation.

Table: Natural vs. Human-Caused Land Degradation

Important Note:

Watershed management programs, like those in Jhabua district, have successfully tackled land degradation through community participation. By integrating land, water, and vegetation management, these programs have improved soil quality and local livelihoods.

Watershed Management

Effective watershed management links land, water, and vegetation to prevent land degradation and improve local livelihoods.

1. Jhabua District Example: In Jhabua, Madhya Pradesh, watershed programs funded by the Government have treated 20% of the total district area, helping tribal communities improve their agricultural productivity through rainwater harvesting and social fencing.
2. Community Participation: Villagers planted trees and adopted stall-feeding practices, ensuring sustainable land use and resource management.

MCQ

Which of the following diseases is caused by water pollution?
a

) Conjunctivitis

b) Diarrhea
c) Bronchitis
d) Asthma
Answer: b) Diarrhea