Pollution—The Bane of Urban Life
The monster of pollution is wreaking havoc on the life of the urban man. The clouds of pollution loom ominously over the major metropolitan cities, which are the nerve centers of the nation.
Literally speaking, the word ‘pollute’ means to defile or contaminate. Uncontrolled migration, haphazardly located industrial units and vehicular congestion are assuming alarming proportions and aggravating the problem of pollution. The air we breathe, the water we drink and the noise levels one has to endure, all pose a serious health hazard leading to ailments like high blood pressure, respiratory diseases like asthma and even skin-related problems. More and more people are becoming prone, to these ailments. The most unsuspecting and vulnerable victims of this menace are small children, who live in the polluted environment of the cities.
Let us examine the factors responsible for various kinds of pollutions. Industrial production, in heavily-populated pockets of the cities, poses a serious threat to the lives of the dwellers. Carbon monoxide, sulphur dioxide and other poisonous gases vitiate the air they whale. The water of the rivers and oceans is being polluted by untreated industrial waste and municipal sludge. The discharge of Sewage and harbour waste in the coastal waters has been disastrous for the delicate ecosystem. Noisy machines, vehicles and loud music blaring from car stereos have invaded the ‘silences’ of our souls.
In a recent study, titled Our Common Future, the World Commission on Environment and Developments has stated that the danger of pollution has become universal, and without any resolute steps in the right direction, the very future of mankind will ‘be jeopardized. The government of India has taken extensive measures for eliminating pollution. There are about 30 major enactments and protection of the environment is now a major agenda of the government.
Most prominent of these are the Wildlife Protection Act, The Forest Conservation Act, The Air Act, The Environment Protection .Act, The Motor Vehicle Act, etc. The Environment Protection Act 1986 is a landmark legislation as it provides for the protection of the environment and aims at plugging all the loopholes in other related acts.
Other measures to eliminate pollution include the Eco-mark’ label` on the consumer products that are environment-friendly. The centre’s Pollution- Control Board is the national apex-body for assessing and monitoring the control of water and air pollution. Seventeen categories of heavily polluting industries have been identified. Efforts are being made also to minimize pollution in grossly-populated areas of the country. Lead-free petrol is .already being provided in a number of states in the country with the help of a Joint Action Plan of the Environment and Petroleum Ministries.
However, in spite of the concerted efforts of the government and non-governmental agencies, little progress is possible unless awareness is generated at the level of the masses. If each individual takes upon himself the responsibility of keeping his environment pollution-free, we can certainly mitigate if not eliminate pollution.
