INTRODUCTION AND SUMMARY

Environmental Degradation environment means “nature” and degradation means “causing the condition
of something to become worse” Degradation of the Environment is caused by depletion such as water,
oil, and soil; ecosystem damage or the existence of wild animals. Any change or disturbance of the
environment considered to be detrimental shall be considered a change of the environment.
Environmental degradation occurs when the environment deteriorates due to the depletion of resources
including all biotic and abiotic elements and we are surrounded by air, water, plants, and other living and
nonliving creatures. The main environmental factor is human (urbanization, overpopulation, poverty,
etc.)and nature(flood, temperature, droughts, etc.).There are increasing amounts of gases in the
atmosphere like Sox, NOx, and CO2 smoke from cars and industries. To prevent illegal activities
government should make efforts to fill gaps in the legal system. We are very familiar with the
environment and surroundings that affect our ability to survive on Earth. Degradation of the environment
poses a global problem and covers many issues like pollution, biodiversity, deforestation, and animal
extinction. About three fourth quarter of people depend on natural activities like fuel, food, and industrial
production. In India, most natural resources are in a fragile state, including the environment. The
application of fertilizers is the major factor in degrading soil quality, erosion, salinity, and grassland. All
types of developmental projects in every country are affected by climate change and environmental
degradation. Development agencies must take into account climate and environmental hazards that can
affect their project if they are serious about reducing poverty in the local communities where they work.

At present global pollution is vast and unprecedented scale. Two ominous trends are emerging: first
towards the large and growing release of some chemical substances mainly made from fossil fuels which
are changing global nature and second towards continuous use and release of innumerable biocide
products and toxins. There is a need to undertake large challenges in society and technology if we are to
face serious pollution challenges in the decades ahead. Today pollution is the result of economic activity,
modern technology, lifestyle, population of people as well and animals. These infections include the
removal of fossil fuel and waste-intensive technologies which tolerate the most advanced science.
Environmental pollution occurs when pollutants contaminate the natural environment. Pollution is
corrupting the ecosystem and affects daily lives which causes human as well as global warming. Pollution
is at its peak because of the evolution and modernization of our lives. There is a great increase in human
capacity as science and technology evolve and people are captives of their creation. Without thinking we
are destroying nature because our actions are causing serious problems. To combat pollution we need to
improve our knowledge of the laws of nature and also broaden our understanding therefore knowing
different types of pollution their effects and their causes on people and the environment in which we live.
The dictionary explains pollution as the presence or introduction into the environment of a substance that
may cause harm or toxicity. According to a Wiki article pollution is an introduction of contaminants into
a natural environment that cause adverse effects.

How does Environmental Pollution occur?

Pollution can adversely affect our daily needs when it pollutes the atmosphere. This is called
Environmental pollution. The primary components are called pollutants, which are typically waste
material. Pollution exacerbates the balance of our environment and ecosystem. Pollution has reached its
peak in our lives and has grown more sophisticated contributing to human health problems and climate
change. Contamination is the major cause of pollution which is often caused by waste products of various
types. Environmental equilibrium and the ecosystem are being damaged by pollution. We live in a more
modern and developed world where pollution is rising which causes human health.

TYPES OF ENVIRONMENTAL DEGRADATION

Environmental pollution occurs in various forms like air, water, earth, radioactivity, nice, and heat. There
are two sources of occurrence for each type of pollution; point and nonpoint. Point sources are easy to
identify, monitor, and control, whereas nonpoint sources are difficult to identify, monitor, and control.
According to Pune Earth, a nonprominent organization, toxic environmental pollution affects more than
200 million people worldwide.

Air pollution

One of the most hazardous is air pollution. When smoke dust or any other dangerous gases enter the
atmosphere, it physically changes the air atmosphere and makes it difficult for living beings to live. It
causes global climate change, acid rain, breathing and heart problems, and euthophication so to survive
many species of animals change their habitat. Industrial and some domestic activities are the cause of air
pollution. Air pollution is the result of ever increased use of fossil fuels in power plants, transportation,
mining, and construction of buildings.

Air pollution is a matter of contamination caused by the presence, of substances that are dangerous to
health in the atmosphere. Some pollutants are toxic inhaling them means getting a chance that you are
sick and the risk for lung disease is higher in old people and children. Nasal irritation and swelling caused
by particulates.

There is a serious health issue with air pollution in India. In India, 21 cities, were among the world's 30
worst polluters. According to 2016 reports a population of around 140 million people in India breathe air
which is 10 times or more of the WHO safe limit and 13 out of the world's 20 largest cities have the
highest annual level of air pollution. 2Million premature deaths are caused by air pollution. According to
a Southeast Asia report in an analysis, it was found that air pollution kills 120000 people in India. Delhi
which is also called the capital of air pollution in 2020 a P.M.2.5 estimate over approximately 54000
lives. In other major cities, the situation is severe. In 2020 approximately. death of 25000 people in
Mumbai.

AIR QUALITY INDEX(AQI)

To communicate with the public how polluted air is at present or how polluted expected to become so air
quality index is used by the government. Due to the increase in air emissions, the AQI may rise. As AQI
rises public health risks increase.

PM2.5 AND PM10

For prolonged periods pm2.5 or small particles may remain in the air. Physical characteristics of pm2.5
e.g. mass spatially and temporally there are differences in density and morphology. Urban PM 2.5 is
mainly made up of carbon compounds, and ionized elements. This composite is derived from traffic.
PM10 is larger than 2.5 and does not remain prolonged in the air their spatial impact is limited because
they tend to ground downwind of emission because they are too large to suspend in air and it is easily
removed from the surface, larger, coarser particles which are not easily transported to wild areas.
Essentially as particle size rises as much time they remain in the air it also increases airborne disease and
premature effects of particulate matter on the environment and health it also increases the risk of heart
attacks and lung disease in people and irregular heartbeat, asthma, increased respiratory symptoms, such
as irritation of airways

sourc
e: WHO
WATER POLLUTION

All living beings rely on water directly or indirectly which has a heavy toll on the population as a whole
more than 60% of species live in some form of water therefore the other major type of pollution that must
dealt with is water pollution. It can be in many forms including industrial waste dumped into rivers and
seas causes a huge imbalance in water properties. It is also caused by nonaquatic species, which is also a
major concern. The water bodies have been irreparably damaged by insecticides, pesticides sprayed on
plants, by groundwater systems. Another source is Eutrophication occurs due to daily activities like
washing clothes, and utensils near lakes, ponds, and rivers which force detergent to enter water that
blocks sunlight, thus reducing oxygen. 80% of the marine environment comes from runoffs so marine life
can be seriously affected for example sewage is a breeding ground for pathogens while organic or
inorganic compounds in water can alter the composition. EPA considers water with low dissolved oxygen
levels to be a pollutant. Degradation of organic material such as sewage dumped into water causes
dissolved oxygen—the excess burden on fertilizer and pesticides in agriculture, and industrial effluents
with toxic substances. Natural sources of soil erosion, leaching of minerals from rocks, and
decomposition of organic matter are causes of water pollution. Point or nonpoint sources may pollute
rivers, lakes, seas, oceans, etc. When pollutants are discharged from specific locations such as drain pipes,
Point source pollution is the direct discharge of effluent from industry directly into water bodies. In
contrast, discharge from pollutants from diffused sources or larger sources is referred to as a nonpoint
source, an area such as outflow from farms, grazing land, construction sites, abandoned mines, and roads
and streets.
SOIL POLLUTION

Also known as land pollution. Unwanted chemical substances are added to soil because of chemical
substances. Nitrogen compounds are absorbed from soil by pesticides and insecticides making it
impossible for plants to obtain nutrition. Soil is also exploited by the release of industrial waste, mining,
and deforestation because plants can’t grow properly so they can’t sustain the soil and result in erosion.
Food is a big contributor to the waste of land. According to natural resource defense 40%of food is
destroyed every year. It is mainly classified as nonhazardous such as construction material of wood,
concrete, brick, etc. medical waste bands, and surgical groves. mining, oil pesticides, and chemical
substances are major sources of waste. Households also produce waste like paint and solvents, motor oil,
and aerosol cans so these are the most common forms of land pollution. A few forms of pollution that we
hear about seem to rise at an accelerating rate. Soil degradation occurs when a high concentration of
pollutants, contaminants, and toxic chemicals occurs which hurt plants, animals, and people. The main
causes of soil pollution are acid rain, waste management, and accidental oil spills. This type of
contaminant has an influence on human health, affects plants, and decreases fertility in the soil.

Causes of Environmental Degradation

A complex result of many interconnected factors is that we are currently dealing with the issue of
pollution in the environment. There are conflicting views as to the main cause of the problem in the
environment. There is no single factor responsible for the primary degradation of the environment
deterioration. However, it can be detected but each could work in parallel and respective weight.

Population

The main reason is human growth according to modern thinkers. Environmental degradation is also
covered by this observation. The population growth will bring with a multiplier effect the proportionate
rise in all other requirements that exist for humans. To meet day-to-day requirement population growth
require an abnormal exploitation of natural resources. The population provides vital development support
but when exceeds the threshold limit it affects environmental significance. Resources and waste
production are linked with the environment such as loss of biodiversity, air and water pollution in
addition to increase pressure on arable land. Improved health conditions and control of disease
contributed to an increase in pollution. Population density rose from 117 to 312 between 1951. In2011
382 per person square kilometer. A few pull and push factors have been considered. The reduction of
access to assets per capita could be a reason it contract in rural communities and improve financial
condition. The key variable could increase in human capital improvement. India has 17% of people in
total world land areas

POVERTY

Poverty is also seen as both cause and effect on environmental degradation it is great extent a complex
marvel that poverty and the environment are connected. It is that poor people are suffering imbalance
which leads to unsustainability. There is no real chance of accessing various types of assets. As the 21st
century dawns, the growing number of people and rising levels of use per capita are draining natural
resources. The link between poverty and environmental damage in India is also seen in population
growth. As the population increases, environmental pressure also increases day by day. Poverty in terms
of population growth and lifestyle plays an important role. For individuals living below the poverty line,
doors cause a surge and force factor. Although the poverty line declined from 55% in 1973 to 36% in
1973. In 1993 – 94 and then 27.5% in 2004 -5 and also population dropped from 320 million in 1993 – 94
to 301 million in 2004 – 05.

URBANIZATION

As a result of the nation's acceptance of a mixed economy which offers an opportunity for growth in the
private sector, urban development began to accelerate independence. In India, urban growth is taking
place more rapidly. According to a 1901 report 11.4% of people in urban areas. This expanded to 28.53%
indicating enumeration and 30% according to a 2011 evaluation and remaining at 31.16%. According to a
UN state review, 40.76% population will need to live in urban areas by 2030 According to the World
Bank by 2030 India, China, Indonesia, Nigeria, and the United States lead world urban population
growth. The growing migration of poor families to cities due to a lack of opportunities for gainful
employment in rural areas and environmental pressure. Rapid and irreversible urbanization resulted in the
debasement of cities. They have extended the whole between the request for construction and delivery of
infrastructure. Administration for example energy, lodging, transport, correspondence, and instruction
water supply and sewage as well as recreational facilities on these lines are exhausted. The rich ecological
asset base of urban areas

NATURE OF MODERN TECHNOLOGY

In recent years environmental disasters and the nature of modern production technology. According to
Commoner significant advances in environmentally harmful technologies were replaced by more
environmentally friendly technologies since the end of World War -II. This is mainly due to the
production of synthetic and nonbiodegradable materials including plastic, chemical nitrogen fertilizer,
synthetic detergents, fiber, massive cars, petrochemicals, and other environmentally harmful industries as
well as “disposable culture”. Environmentally friendly technologies are still available but they are not
used because they are considered to be incompatible with the short-term objective of maximizing profit.
PREVENTION

Consequently, an environmental crisis is inevitable as a consequence of the conventional pattern of

production expansion. To restore our ecological balance we need to find effective solutions because
environmentally friendly technologies are available and they are still in use but seem incompatible with
the short-term objective of maximizing profit. Sustainable travel choices should be made first of all.
Whenever possible we should use public transport, cycling, and walking to consolidate our journey and
prefer to buy electric vehicles. Sustainable food choices are of paramount importance buy local food buy
organic vegetables, fruit or grow your own. People should be conserving energy. If you are not in your
room shut down electronic gadgets. Think about how much energy saving could achieved by simple
changes. The concepts of waste reduction, reuse, and recycling should be understood if you can then try
to buy used items and select products with minimal packaging. Don’t forget to do that almost everything
you can buy can be recycled, use water as much as you can, and properly dispose of toxic waste don’t use
herbicides and pesticides. For your everyday tasks, use natural environmentally friendly chemicals.
Environmental degradation is the result and consequences of challenges such as poverty, soil erosion, or
climate change. This is to say if one of the problems is out of hand, it sets off a domino effect and all
these problems get worse together. In the case of someone living in a rural area that is severely degraded
can lead to difficult lives. Ancient Burundi explains how famine and food security are connected.

Greenhouse gases include chlorofluorocarbons and CFCs and Methene it’s a threat to air and it depletes
the ozone layer. Global warming is caused by these gases that trap heat in the atmosphere Ozone
depletion allows ultraviolet radiation to enter the atmosphere. In humans, this may raise skin diseases
such as skin cancer, eczema, etc. CFCs in air conditioning and refrigeration are widely used. Therefore
their use needs to be reduced.

Vehicles release harmful gases into the environment like carbon monoxide. This increased level of carbon
emission in the atmosphere causes air pollution. Limited energy sources include fuel such as diesel and
petrol. Resources will be exhausted if we use more diesel and petrol.

Waste produced in the industry contains toxins that contain toxicities and cause severe damage. The water
is polluted by chemicals in them. Many fish and aquatic organisms die because of this. Irrigation is made
with water from these lakes or rivers. Chemicals mixed with soil, and crops grown eaten by humans. In
humans, this poses serious health risks.

POLICY

The Ministry of Environment and Forest shall act as the principal agency within the administrative
structure of the central government for planning, promotion, coordination, and supervising the
implementation of environmental and forestry programs. The activities taken by the Ministry of
Environment and Forest include the conservation and survey of flora, fauna, forest, and wildlife,
afforestation and regeneration of degraded areas, and protection of the environment. Surveys, impact
assessment, pollution control, regeneration program for support for the organization, research to find the
solution, and training to increase the necessary number of staff, collect and disseminate environmental
information and awareness related to the environment in all sectors of pollution. In September 1974,
under the Water Pollution Prevention and Control Act of 1974, a central pollution board was established.
In addition under the Air Pollution Prevention and Control Act 1981 CPCB is entrusted with power and
function it also provides information to the Ministry of Environment and Forest of provisions of the
Environment Act 1986. The principle function of CPBP is to 1) promote cleanliness to steam and wells in
different areas and states and 2) improve the quality of air or abate air pollution.

India has a long history of environmental reforms to deal with environment there were various rules and
regulation problems during the British period in particular; the Indian Penal Code(1860), Bengal Smoke
Nuisance Act 1905, Indian Ports Act (1908), Indian Vehicle Act (1972), Indian forest act(1947),
Industrial production act(1947), etc. According to the Indian Penal Code, it is an offence to pollute air and
water also it shall be prohibited to create public nuisance. This provision is ineffective in controlling
environmental degradation due to rapid changes it is a failure to effectively implement them. One country
that has changed its constitution to promote environmental protection. In 1976 42 nd Constitutional
Amendment was passed and implemented from January 1977 it made provisions for Articles 48A and 51
Asbg. Article 48A has added that prohibits the state from making an effort to protect the environment and
protect it and also protect forests and wildlife in the country. while Article 51 g says all citizens have a
fundamental right to protect and improve the environment, especially lakes, ponds, forests, and rivers, and
compassion for all living beings. The parliament by Article 253 of the constitution harmonizes national
laws in the field of international agreement. There is no provision in the constitution to empower national
government to lay down national laws and all states were subject to the same environmental concern.
Environment issues were on the state list and the central government approached states to do so according
to article 258 two or more states legislature should approve it and also should resolution must be passed
by parliament to adopt water legislation. In 1969 ministry of Health drafted a law to prevent water
pollution after a lot of thought the modified version was passed in 1984 and after that air pollution was
also modified by the same regulatory agency was established by the Water Prevention and Control Act
1974 entrusted with the task of implementing this legislation. The Tiwari Committee on environmental
issues was appointed by the government in 1980. By this recommendation on November 1, 1980, the
Department of Environment was set up as a nodal agency for environmental protection and conservation.
It has taken steps such as environmental assessment on development projects, pollution control and
regulation, air quality monitoring, and coordination with national, central, and local governments.

In 1985 to overcome shortcomings in the environment, environment protection was created in the
Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, comprising: 18 divisions and two separate units.

A comprehensive environmental law, the Environmental Protection Act 1986 was adopted by parliament
in 1986 the central and state pollution control boards were entrusted with the task of implementing new
legislation. At this point, laws concerning individual environmental problems were adopted like the
Wildlife Protection Act. MOEE completed the environmental action plan in 1993 for environmental
development planning there are various strategies such as water cess, water consumption implementation
of “polluter pays” rule charges for excessive water, and also additional charges.

You’re very familiar with today’s environmental situation in which human beings play a key role. Eco-
friendly measures with related to the sustenance of plants, humans, and animals. The survival of life
depends on the sustainability of the environment.