MODULE7
Q1. Give the common methods to reduce
air pollution in civilized areas, especially
in metropolitan cities.
Answer:
In metropolitan cities, air pollution arises from dense traffic, industries, construction, and energy
consumption. The following methods are commonly used to reduce pollution:
1. Promotion of Public Transport
● Expansion of metro rail, BRTS, local trains.
● Reduces vehicular emissions and congestion.
2. Vehicle Emission Control
● Use of BS-VI vehicles, EVs, hybrid vehicles, CNG/LPG vehicles.
● Strict PUC norms, periodic inspection & maintenance.
3. Development of Green Belts
● Plantation along roadsides, parks, buffer zones around industries.
● Trees absorb CO₂, SO₂, NOx and reduce dust.
4. Control of Construction Dust
● Mandatory covering of debris, use of water sprinklers, barricading sites.
5. Use of Cleaner Fuels
● Promotion of CNG in buses and taxis.
● Low-sulphur fuels for industry.
6. Traffic Management
● Odd–even schemes, congestion charges, intelligent traffic systems.
7. Industrial Emission Control
● Use of scrubbers, electrostatic precipitators, bag filters.
● Shifting highly polluting units outside city limits.
8. Waste Management
● Ban on open burning of waste and biomass.
● Proper disposal of municipal waste.
Q2. List down the air quality concerns in
metropolitan cities, critically polluted
areas, and rural areas.
Answer:
A) Metropolitan Cities
1. High vehicle emissions (NOx, CO, PM2.5).
2. Industrial pollution on city outskirts.
3. Construction dust and road dust.
4. High energy demand → power plant emissions.
5. Biomass burning in slums.
6. Heat island effect → stagnant air and smog.
B) Critically Polluted Areas (CPAs)
(Identified by CPCB based on CEPI index)
1. Severe industrial emissions (SO₂, NOx, VOCs).
2. Hazardous waste incineration emissions.
3. Toxic metal pollutants (Pb, Hg, Cr).
4. Poor dispersion due to geographical factors.
5. High particulate pollution from factories/mines.
6. Ground-level ozone formation from chemical industries.
C) Rural Areas
1. Biomass burning for cooking (wood, dung).
2. Crop residue burning.
3. Dust from unpaved roads.
4. Open waste burning.
5. Pesticide and fertilizer aerosols.
6. Brick kiln emissions in rural belts.
Q3. List the institutional mechanisms at
the central and state level for controlling
air pollution.
Answer:
Central-Level Institutional Mechanisms
1. Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC)
Policy formulation, national-level guidelines.
2. Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB)
○ Monitoring air quality (NAAQS).
○ Setting national emission standards.
○ Implementing NCAP (National Clean Air Programme).
3. NITI Aayog
Promotes renewable energy, EV policy, sustainability programs.
4. Central Ministry of Power / MNRE
Clean energy transition, solar missions.
5. National Green Tribunal (NGT)
Judicial enforcement on pollution issues.
State-Level Mechanisms
1. State Pollution Control Boards (SPCBs)
○ Issue consent to operate industries.
○ Monitor emission levels.
○ Enforce standards at state level.
2. State Environment Departments
○ Implement central policies locally.
○ Prepare State Action Plans for air quality.
3. Urban Local Bodies (Municipal Corporations)
○ Implement waste management rules.
○ Road cleaning, traffic planning, construction regulation.
4. State Transport Departments
○ PUC checks, vehicle fitness, CNG/LPG initiatives.
Q4. Give the general central strategies
adopted to reduce air pollution.
Answer:
The central government adopts unified national strategies to control air pollution through
programs, laws, and policies.
General Strategies:
1. Implementation of National Clean Air Programme (NCAP)
Targets 40% reduction in PM10 & PM2.5.
2. Setting National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS)
3. Promotion of Renewable Energy
○ National Solar Mission
○ Wind energy parks
○ Rooftop solar schemes
4. Cleaner Fuel Policies
○ BS-VI fuel norms
○ Promotion of CNG, PNG, LPG
○ National Biofuel Policy
5. UPGRADATION OF TECHNOLOGY IN INDUSTRY
○ Compulsory installation of ESP, bag filters, scrubbers.
○ Continuous Emission Monitoring Systems (CEMS).
6. National Electric Mobility Mission (NEMMP)
Promotion of electric vehicles and charging infrastructure.
7. Polluter-Pays Principle & Environmental Compensation
8. Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP)
Real-time emergency action for Delhi NCR.
Q5. Give industry-specific control
strategies for:
(I) Thermal Power Plants
1. Use Electrostatic Precipitators (ESP) for fly ash removal.
2. FGD Units (Flue Gas Desulphurization) to remove SO₂.
3. Use of low-sulphur coal or coal washing.
4. Adoption of supercritical & ultra-supercritical boilers.
5. Ash handling systems – dry & closed conveyor systems.
6. Green belts around plant.
(II) Oil Refineries
1. Vapor recovery systems for petroleum storage.
2. Use of low-NOx burners.
3. Flare gas recovery systems.
4. Leak Detection and Repair (LDAR) for VOCs.
5. Desulphurization of fuels before refining.
6. Odour control systems for hydrogen sulphide.
(III) Brick Kiln
1. Shift from traditional clamps to zig-zag kilns.
2. Use of internal fuel and better air distribution.
3. Use of fly ash bricks to reduce firing.
4. Stack height regulations.
5. Ban on old polluting BTK kilns.
(IV) Furnace
1. Use of bag filters or scrubbers.
2. Use of clean fuels (PNG/CNG).
3. Heat recovery systems.
4. Good combustion efficiency to reduce CO & NOx.
(V) Stone Crusher
1. Water sprinkling systems to control dust.
2. Enclosure of crushing units.
3. Green belt development.
4. Use of bag filters/cyclones.
5. Proper road paving in crusher zone.
Q6. What are the causes and effects of air
pollution?
Answer:
A) Causes of Air Pollution
1. Industrial emissions (SO₂, NOx, CO, VOCs).
2. Vehicle exhaust (PM2.5, CO, NOx).
3. Construction activities – dust.
4. Crop residue burning.
5. Waste burning.
6. Power plant emissions.
7. Use of coal, diesel, kerosene.
8. Household biomass burning.
9. Natural causes—dust storms, volcanic activity.
B) Effects of Air Pollution
On Human Health
● Asthma, bronchitis, COPD
● Lung cancer
● Heart diseases
● Eye irritation
● Low birth weight
On Environment
● Acid rain
● Smog formation
● Damage to plants and crops
● Soil nutrient depletion
● Ozone layer depletion
On Climate
● Global warming due to CO₂, methane
● Formation of ground-level ozone
● Heat island effect
Q7. What is sustainability in the context of
environment? Explain SDG 7, SDG 11,
SDG 6, SDG 13.
Answer:
Definition of Sustainability (Environment Context):
Sustainability means meeting the needs of the present generation without compromising
the ability of future generations to meet their own needs, by ensuring responsible use of
natural resources, minimizing pollution, and protecting ecosystems.
Explanation of UN Sustainable
Development Goals (SDGs)
(I) SDG 7 – Affordable and Clean Energy
● Ensure access to reliable, sustainable, and modern energy.
● Achieve universal electricity access.
● Increase share of renewable energy (solar, wind, hydro).
● Improve energy efficiency and promote clean technologies.
(II) SDG 11 – Sustainable Cities and Communities
● Make cities inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable.
● Reduce air pollution and solid waste.
● Improve public transport systems.
● Promote green buildings and affordable housing.
● Strengthen disaster risk management.
(III) SDG 6 – Clean Water and Sanitation
● Ensure universal access to safe drinking water.
● Improve sanitation and hygiene.
● Reduce water pollution.
● Increase wastewater treatment capacity.
● Protect water ecosystems (rivers, lakes, wetlands).
(IV) SDG 13 – Climate Action
● Strengthen resilience to climate-related disasters.
● Promote adaptation and mitigation strategies.
● Reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
● Encourage climate education & awareness.
● Support renewable energy & carbon-neutral technologies.