A

PROJECT FILE
ON
Pollution In Delhi
Submitted in the partial fulfilment of the degree of

Bachelor of Business Administration

(Computer Aided Management)
(2022-25)

SUBMITTED BY:
TUSHAR AGARWAL
02013401922

Under the guidance of

DR. Seema Gupta

(Associate Professor)

Ideal Institute of Management & Technology

(16 X ,Karkardooma Institutional Area, Delhi -110092)

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 CERTIFICATE

This is to certify that Project File is submitted by Tushar Agarwal in partial

fulfillment of the requirement for the award of degree of Bachelor of Business
Administration (Computer Aided Management) to Ideal Institute of Management
and Technology (affiliated to GGSIP University, Delhi) is a record of the
candidate’s own work carried out by her under my supervision. The matter
embodied in this file is bonafide and has not been submitted for the award of any
other degree.

.………………
Dr. Seema gupta
(Associate professor)

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 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

I am writing this final project for the program of Bachelor of Business

Administration(CAM) on “ POLLUTION IN DELHI” for Ideal
Institute of Management & Technology Affiliated to Guru Gobind
Singh Indraprastha University

I express my great sense of gratitude to my mentor Dr. Seema Gupta

for her personal involvement in every fact of this work and readiness
to resolve any point of confusion by mutual discussion and
encouragement.

Tushar Agarwal
02013401922

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 INDEX
S.No Particulars Page
No.
1. Abstract 5

2. Introduction 6

3. Causes of Pollution in Delhi 7

4. Facts and Figures 8-16

5. Effects of Pollution in Delhi 17-28

6. Discussion and Recommendation 29-30

7. Government’s Steps to Control 31

Pollution in Delhi
8. How Can Citizens of Delhi Help in 32-33
Reducing Pollution?
9. Bibliography 34

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Abstract:
After Independence, the city of Delhi became a major centre
of commerce, industry and education. The rapid urbanization
of Delhi along with the level of growth in economic activities
in the city and its surrounding areas stressed the natural
environment significantly. Among the environmental
problems, air pollution, water pollution, loss of biodiversity,
municipal waste and noise pollution are major environmental
challenges that the city is facing. The city suffers from air
pollution caused by transportation, road dust, industries and
pollutant emissions. Noise pollution comes mainly from
industries, transportation, aircraft etc. Water pollution and
lack of adequate solid waste treatment facilities have caused
serious damage to the river on whose banks Delhi grew, the
Yamuna. Several steps have been taken in the recent past to
improve the environment condition which includes massive
focus on afforestation, universal use of CNG by commercial
vehicles, ban on plastic use, better management of solid
waste, treatment of waste water and improvement of
sewage system etc. But still many challenges remain to
contain the environmental pollution. This paper summarizes
the major environmental concerns and the present status of
pollution in NCT of Delhi.

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Introduction:
Environment of any city is the asset of that city and for a city
like Delhi-NCR, the significance of a clean and pleasing
environment is as beneficial as it can be. Delhi being hub of
political, social, economic and other national/international
affairs of India portrays the image of India to the world. Being
the national capital, plethora of national and international
migration takes place from and to Delhi resulting in
increasing pollution stress on natural resources viz. Air Water
and Land. The over utilization of these resources makes Delhi
prone to all types of pollution making lives of people difficult
here. With Delhi expanding its boundaries each day and
National Capital Region (NC)getting to nearby states, the
whole effect is quite evident in this area. Proper water use
techniques need to be brought in place to make Delhi
efficient and making water available to its masses. First step
in this direction can be controlling water pollution levels.
Similar stress needs to be made to control rising air pollution
levels. Noise pollution and Land degradation too makes Delhi
unviable and unsustainable. Delhi as a sustainable city needs
proper planning and operation to make it as pleasing as
cities of the world.

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Causes of pollution in Delhi
• Growing population of the city. The pressure and haphazard
growth of the population is deteriorating the environment.
• There has been highly haphazard and unplanned development of
industries and factories. Studies have revealed that only about 20%
of the industrial units are set up in the approved industrial areas
whereas the rest of them are in residential and commercial areas.
There has been a huge rise in the vehicular population, in spite of the
metro railways, aggravating traffic congestion and increasing air and
noise pollution. It has also been reported that the number of vehicles
plying on the roads of Delhi is more than that of the three
metropolitan cities of Mumbai, Kolkata and Chennai taken together.
• There has also been an ever-increasing number of diesel vehicles
plying on the roads, which are largely responsible for the air
pollution.
• It has been reported by the National Environmental Engineering
Research Institute (NEERI) that everyday almost 8,000 m tonnes of
solid waste is being generated in Delhi. Plus we also have the
industrial hazardous and non-hazardous waste. On an average,
everyday, the MCDs and the NDMC manage to clear about 5,000-
5,500 m tonnes of garbage. This results in the accumulation of more
and more garbage in the city.
• There has been no proper technology or methods to treat solid,
liquid, waste water, industrial and hospital wastes in the city.
• There has been too much dependence on fossil fuels like coal-fired
power plants, improper use of energy in buildings and the excessive
use of biomass for cooking and heating, etc.

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Facts and Figures:

Air environment
The air pollution levels in Delhi are strikingly high and the transport
sector is a major contributor. Besides the transport sector, domestic
and power sectors are also major sources of air pollution in the
capital. Nearly 421.84 tons of CO, 110.45 tons NOx, 184.37 tons HC
and 12.77 tons particulate matter is released in Delhi's atmosphere
per day (Department of Environment and Forests, 2010). The CO
emission has dipped drastically post-CNG use [1]; SPM and RSPM
have increased, SO2 has declined marginally and NO2 is still high
over 1997-2011. The composition of pollutants have changed with
the introduction of CNG, new pollution standards and phasing out of
old vehicles. The concentration of CO, SO2 and PAHs has declined,
while NO2 and SPM increased. The rise in NO2 is attributed to CNG
use and SPM to the diesel vehicles' growth. The Central Pollution
Control Board has been monitoring ambient air quality at six
locations in Delhi under NAAMP for the past many years. The values
for 1997 to 2010 are of the monitoring stations of CPCB while the
values of 2011 to 2014 are of the monitoring station network
developed by Delhi Pollution Control Committee. DPCC presently
monitors air quality through six online continuous ambient air quality
monitoring stations at 6 locations. The stations can be classified in
two categories i.e. residential Puram RK, Mandir Marg & Punjabi
Bagh and hot spots I.G.I Airport and Anand Vihar. Civil Lines is also
influenced by traffic emissions. Increasing levels of air pollution are
responsible for higher incidence rate of respiratory diseases, cancer,
and heart diseases in the capital. Various studies carried out for Delhi
reflect the correlation between air pollution and health impacts. A
study by AIIMS reconfirmed the point that respiratory symptoms are

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more frequent amongst people residing in highly polluted areas. To
tackle the problem of air pollution, a number of measures have been
taken in the past, such as switching to cleaner fuels, tightening
vehicular emission limits, phasing out of old vehicles and
maintenance of in-use vehicles, closing or relocating polluting
industries, plantation activities etc. However, a lot more still needs to
be done if the capital desires to breathe clean air.

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Water environment

With the population of Delhi increasing from 0.4 million in 1911 to

18.24 million in 2015, there is an ever increasing pressure on the
water resources. Improvement in living standards and access to
sanitation facilities increases the per capita water demand levels. For
sustainable development of Delhi, it is essential to ensure adequate
supply of water in terms of reliability, quality and quantity. Although
Delhi has an average water availability of 225 lpcd, the distribution is
not uniform. Some areas get 24 hrs. Water supplies, whereas some
get hardly 1-2 hr water supply in a day.
Delhi depends on river Yamuna and partially on river Ganga for its
share of raw water. Surface water contributes to over 86% of Delhi's
total water supply. Yamuna, a perennial river, provides the major
share of this water supply. Urban agglomeration of NCT Delhi is the
major contributor of pollution load in Yamuna followed by Agra and
Mathura. The stretch between Wazirabad Barrage and Chambal
River confluence is critically polluted and there is significant
fluctuation in dissolved oxygen level from nil to critically low levels.
This reflects presence of organic pollution load and persistence of
eutrophic conditions in the river. Pollution load in the river Yamuna
added from various sources like industries and domestic and long dry
season, has virtually converted it into a nala. Najafgarh drain along
with its 70 sub- drains is the biggest polluter of the river.
DPCC has been conducting monthly water quality monitoring of river
Yamuna (at 9 locations) and major drains (24 drains) falling into river
Yamuna. Recent water quality monitoring reports of river Yamuna
indicate that the water quality parameters, BOD & DO, are in the
desirable/prescribed norms, with respect to Water Quality criteria of
"C" class, at Palla, which is upstream of Wazirabad Barrage.

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However, the water quality of River Yamuna at the downstream of
Wazirabad barrage after confluence of Nazafgarh Drain is not
meeting the desirable/prescribed norms. The annual average of DO
has ranged from 0.20 mg/1 at Shahdara (Downstream) to 8.48 mg/1
at Palla. The annual average of BOD has ranged from 1.99 mg/1 at
Palla to 60.33 mg/I at KhajuriPantoolpul. The water quality standards
for DO and BOD as per CPCB norms are 4 mg/1 and 3 mg/1
respectively for class ‘C’ of river water. The water quality monitoring
results in Delhi stretch clearly indicates river water is grossly
polluted.
Water quality monitoring results of the drains indicate that most of
the drains are not meeting the standards with respect to Bio-
chemical Oxygen Demand (BOD), Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD)
and Total Suspended Solids (TSS).
As per CPCB, the contribution of pollution load from NCR & non- NCR
states are in the proportion of 80:20, i.e. over 3/4th of the pollution
load in River Yamuna is contributed by the NC.
Besides surface water sources, groundwater contributes a
substantial quantity of water supply in Delhi. Inadequate and
intermittent supply of piped water has led to unchecked exploitation
of the groundwater resource. A comparison of existing groundwater
levels in different administrative blocks with levels in 1960 shows a
decline of 2-30 m. Levels in Alipur and Kanjhawala blocks have
declined 2-6 m, in the Najafgarh block by 10m, and in the Mehrauli
block by 20 m. In addition to quantity, the quality of groundwater is
also deteriorating and in several places, it has been found to be unfit
for human consumption.

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Municipal and hazardous wastes
Solid waste includes commercial and residential waste generated in
municipal or notified areas. As per the data available with DPCC
records, solid waste generation in Delhi was around 8360 MTD. This
is expected to increase due to economic and population growth. 700
MGD sewage is also generated, which generates organic sludge.
Municipal waste of Delhi is disposed in three landfill sites namely
Bhalswa GT Road, Ghazipur and Okhla.
Hazardous waste means any waste which by reason of any of its
physical, chemical, reactive, toxic, flammable, explosive or corrosive
characteristics causes danger or is likely to cause danger to health or
environment. The most critical hazardous waste generated in Delhi is
from small-scale enterprises such as pickling units, electroplating
units, anodizing units, and sludge from CETPs.
Bio-Medical Waste (BMW) means any waste, which generated during
the diagnosis, treatment or immunization of human being or animals
or in research activities. With the increase in the number of hospitals
and nursing homes in Delhi, hospital waste has become another area
of concern. This waste is sent to common biomedical waste facilities
in the city. Delhi is having 3 CBWTF operators who collect the waste
from HCEs of Delhi and dispose the BMW after its treatment.
Electronic Waste, means any waste, which is generated due to
product obsolescence and discarded electronic items, and may
include›. telecommunications or entertainment in private data
processing, households and businesses. The quantity of e-waste
generated in the city is going to be much higher than hazardous
waste and healthcare waste and thus requires proper management.
The most acceptable strategy for solid waste management in Delhi
would be to categorize waste streams as biodegradable, recyclables,
and inert matter to maximize recovery and minimize the quantity of

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waste generation. Efforts should also be made towards reclaiming
and redeveloping the abandoned and filled landfill sites.

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Forest
The vegetation cover is imperative for balanced atmospheric
temperature and sustenance of life. As per the reports of Forests
Survey of India (2011), total area of forest and tree cover was 40 and
111 km2 respectively in 2001 that increased to 120 and 176.2 km2 in
2011. Total vegetative cover doubled in a decade from 10% to
19.97% on account of substantial increase in tree cover under the
Green Action Plan of Delhi Government. Open forests have coverage
share of 119.96 km2 and dense forests are merely 6 km2. The
National Forest Policy, 1988 provides that a minimum of 1/3rd of the
total land area of the country should be under forest or tree cover.
Taking this into view, the Govt. of NCT of Delhi is making all
endeavours to meet the national goal as set by the Central Govt. and
is constantly adding to the green cover of the State. The forest and
tree cover area increased to 297.81 km2 in 2013 increasing thereby
the share of forests in the total area to 20.08 percent. Of the total
297.81 km2 of forest area in NCT of Delhi, nearly 272 km2 has been
added during the period 1999 to 2013.
South Delhi district has the highest forest cover area at 79.02 sq. km,
South West Delhi has 44.63 sq. km, that of North West Delhi is 16.50
sq. km and New Delhi has 16.31 sq. km. The lowest forest cover is in
North West Delhi of 3.75 sq. Km.
Composition of forests in terms of its density is shown in Chart. Out
of the total geographical area of NCT of Delhi, very dense forest is
spread over 0.45 percent, moderately dense forest is spread over
3.33 percent, open forest is spread over 8.34 percent and scrub is
spread over 0.15%, which is almost negligible. Delhi has 42 city
forests. Fifteen city forests are in South-West district, Ten in North-
West district, five each are in North-East and South districts, three
each in East and North districts and one in West district.

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Noise environment
The major contributors to noise pollution are industries,
vehicular traffic, festivals, construction activities, diesel
generating sets etc. Use of high sound loudspeakers during
festivals and many social gatherings in public place directly
increases the noise pollution in the affected areas.
Noise levels in Delhi exceed permissible levels in all areas
except industrial areas according to a study by Delhi Pollution
Control Committee in 1996. Another study carried out by
CPCB in Delhi during 2006 revealed that during daytime
ambient noise levels exceeded the prescribed residential
area standard at all the locations. The ambient noise levels in
commercial and industrial locations were below their
respective standard values. The ambient noise levels
permitted by Central Pollution Control Board for different
areas. Noise levels observed at 40 different residential
locations have been tabulated below. The data shows
ambient noise levels being exceeded in all the selected
residential areas. (Day time standard for residential area
55dB (A), Night time standard for residential area 45dB (A),
All values in Leq dB (A).

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EFECTS OF POLLUTION IN DELHI:
Effects of Air Pollution
1. Respiratory and heart problems: The effects of Air pollution are
alarming. They are known to create several respiratory and heart
conditions along with Cancer, among other threats to the body.
Several millions are known to have died due to direct or indirect
effects of Air pollution. Children in areas exposed to air pollutants
are said to commonly suffer from pneumonia and asthma.

2. Global warming: Another direct effect is the immediate

alterations that the world is witnessing due to Global warming. With
increased temperatures worldwide, increase in sea levels and
melting of ice from colder regions and icebergs, displacement and
loss of habitat have already signalled an impending disaster if actions
for preservation and normalization aren't undertaken soon.

3. Acid Rain: Harmful gases like nitrogen oxides and sulphur oxides
are released into the atmosphere during the burning of fossil fuels.
When it rains, the water droplets combine with these air pollutants,
becomes acidic and then falls on the ground in the form of acid rain.
Acid rain can cause great damage to human, animals and crops.

4. Eutrophication: Eutrophication is a condition where high amount

of nitrogen present in some pollutants gets developed on sea's
surface and turns itself into algae and and adversely affect fish,
plants and animal species. The green colored algae that is present on
lakes and ponds is due to presence of this chemical only.

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5. Effect on Wildlife: Just like humans, animals also face some
devastating effects of air pollution. Toxic chemicals present in the air
can force wildlife species to move to new place and change their
habitat. The toxic pollutants deposit over the surface of the water
and can also affect sea animals.

6. Depletion of Ozone layer: Ozone exists in earth's stratosphere and

is responsible for protecting humans from harmful ultraviolet (V)
rays. Barth's ozone layer is depleting due to the presence of
chlorofluorocarbons, hydrochlorofluorocarbons in the atmosphere.
As ozone layer will go thin, it will emit harmful rays back on earth
and can cause skin and eye related problems. UV rays also have the
capability to affect crops.

When you try to study the sources of Air pollution, you enlist a series
of activities and interactions that create these pollutants. There are
two types of sources that we will take a look at: Natural sources and
Man-made sources.

Natural sources of pollution include dust carried by the wind from

locations with very little or no green cover, gases released from the
body processes of living beings (Carbon dioxide from humans during
respiration, Methane from cattle during digestion, Oxygen from
plants during Photosynthesis). Smoke from the combustion of
various inflammable objects, volcanic eruptions etc along with the
emission of polluted gases also make it to the list of Natural sources
of Pollution.

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While looking at the man-made contributions towards air pollution,
smoke again features as a prominent component. The smoke
emitted from various forms of combustion like in bio mass, factories,
vehicles, furnaces etc. Waste used to create landfills generate
methane, that is harmful in several ways. The reactions of certain
gases and chemicals also form harmful fumes that can be dangerous
to the wellbeing of living creatures.

Effects of Water Pollution

Contaminated Drinking Water

The risks of your health being negatively impacted by polluted
drinking water in a developed country is small in comparison with
developing countries. However, it is possible to become ill from
contaminated water. When you are out hiking, you can acquire
giardiasis that can lead to the presentation of acute symptoms like
vomiting and intense nausea. This infection is caused by drinking
water that has been fouled by animal wastes in untreated
waterways. In anthropogenic environments like cities and towns, the
potential toxins are far more numerous.

Mercury Level Risks

Health risks from pollution vary from area to area. One of the most
pervasive non-localized water pollution issues facing the world today
is the level of mercury in the oceans. Inorganic mercury is a common
by-product of a number of industrial processes. The level of mercury
in fish is mostly dangerous for small children and women who might
become pregnant, are pregnant or are nursing. Mercury has been

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found to interfere with the development of the central nervous
system in foetuses and young children, which could potentially lead
to a large amount of long-term side effects.

Health Effects of Toxic Runoff

In Louisiana, water quality can be so bad in many waterways that
fish advisories are often posted to warn people against eating fish
out of contaminated waterways. This is largely due to industrial
runoff from localized sources and the accumulative effects of runoff
and dumping from states that lie along the Mississippi river. When
the river empties into Louisiana, it brings those accumulated toxins
with it. This is believed to lead to higher rates of cancer in areas
surrounding the Mississippi delta in an area that is colloquially
referred to as "cancer alley." Phosphorous runoff from industry can
get into waterways and create toxic algal blooms. These blooms have
been linked to higher occurrences of paralytic shellfish poisoning in
humans, which can lead to death. Glyphosate is an herbicide that is
often used on crops throughout the United States. In areas where
GM crops resistant to glyphosate are planted, the pesticide is often
overused and laid out using a cascade spray. This can get into water
and cause reproductive issues and kidney failure.

Ecological Dead zone

The entrance of pollutants into waterways can have a wide range of
impacts. It is possible for the pollutants to raise the temperature of
the water enough to force fish out in search of cooler waters. This
can itself create an ecological dead zone.

Increase in Algal Blooms

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Water pollution can also significantly increase the rate of algal
blooms. These blooms create massive fish die-offs as the oxygen in
the water gets depend and the fish suffocates be fish can also be
killed when excessive algae get caught on their gills.

Oil Spill Ramifications

Oil spills are a common occurrence throughout the world; however
major spills like the Exxon Valdez and the BP Deepwater Horizon
disaster have shown what water pollution can do on a very large
scale. It was found that dolphins have been dying in record numbers
near the site of the BP Deepwater Horizon disaster. It has also been
found that the oil from the BP disaster has gotten into wetlands,
which are considered the nursery for nearly every creature that lives
in the area.

Water pollution impacts everyone

The effects of water pollution are not always immediate. They are
not always seen at the point of contamination. They are sometimes
never known by the person responsible for the pollution. However,
water pollution has a huge impact on the lives of all people. With
knowledge, consideration and preparation, water pollution can be
decreased. It doesn't take much effort - - just a little thought.

Impacts of solid waste on health

The group at risk from the unscientific disposal of solid waste include
- the population in areas where there is no proper waste disposal
method, especially the pre-school children; waste workers; and
workers in facilities producing toxic and infectious material. Other

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high-risk group include population living close to a waste dump and
those, whose water supply has become contaminated either due to
waste dumping or leakage from landfill sites. Uncollected solid waste
also increases risk of injury.
In particular, organic domestic waste poses a serious threat, since
they ferment, creating conditions favourable to the survival and
growth of microbial pathogens. Direct handling of solid waste can
result in various types of infectious and chronic diseases with the
waste workers and the rag pickers being the most vulnerable.
Exposure to hazardous waste can affect human health, children
being more vulnerable to these pollutants. In fact, direct exposure
can lead to diseases through chemical exposure as the release of
chemical waste into the environment leads to chemical poisoning.
Many studies have been carried out in various parts of the world to
establish a connection between health and hazardous waste.
Waste from agriculture and industries can also cause serious health
risks. Other than this, co-disposal of industrial hazardous waste with
municipal waste can expose people to chemical and radioactive
hazards. Uncollected solid waste can also obstruct storm water
runoff, resulting in the forming of stagnant water bodies that
become the breeding ground of disease. Waste dumped near a
water source also causes contamination of the water body or the
ground water source. Direct dumping of untreated waste in rivers,
seas, and lakes results in the accumulation of toxic substances in the
food chain through the plants and animals that feed on it.
Disposal of hospital and other medical waste requires special
attention since this can create major health hazards. This waste
generated from the hospitals, health care centres, medical
laboratories, and research centres such as discarded syringe needles,
bandages, swabs, plasters, and other types of infectious waste are
often disposed with the regular non-infectious waste.

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Waste treatment and disposal sites can also create health hazards
for the neighbourhood. Improperly operated incineration plants
cause air pollution and improperly managed and designed landfills
attract all types of insects and rodents that spread disease. Ideally
these sites should be located at a safe distance from all human
settlement. Landfill sites should be well lined and walled to ensure
that there is no leakage into the nearby ground water sources.
Recycling too carries health risks if proper precautions are not
taken. Workers working with waste containing chemical and metals
may experience toxic exposure. Disposal of health-care wastes
require special attention since it can create major health hazards,
such as Hepatitis B and C, through wounds caused by discarded
syringes. Rag pickers and others who are involved in scavenging in
the waste dumps for items that can be recycled, may sustain injuries
and come into direct contact with these infectious items.

How deforestation affects climate change

1. It Reduces Soil Moisture and Leads to Desertification

In normal circumstances, the soil contains moisture. The moisture
needs to be conserved and this can only be done successfully if there
is forest cover. The crucial role that the trees play is that they cover
the soil and prevent the soil from losing the water vapour. When the
soil is heated, vapor is lost but when the tree canopies are present;
no excess vapor is lost. But with the continued acts of deforestation,
water vapor is lost and the water cycle is broken. In return, no
rainfall will take place because of the absence of trees. The whole
process may end up in the emergence of a desert. Some of the worst

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desert conversion rates in sub-Saharan Africa have been associated
with deforestation in west and central African forests.

2. Increase of the Greenhouse Effect

In the normal circumstances, trees are always significant in the
absorption of the greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide, nitrogen
and many others. Research by the Global Forest Research
Assessment revealed that deforestation resulted in the release of
approximately a billion ton of carbon dioxide in 2010. With the
cutting of trees which results in the depletion of the forest cover, the
concentration of the greenhouse gases increases the rate of global
warming.
This leads to the inevitable climate change and adverse weather
patterns such as severe flooding or drought. Some of the adverse
greenhouse effects are the increased incidences of La Nina and El
Nino. Increase of the greenhouse effect also raises the levels of
evaporation and evapotranspiration and the higher temperatures
cause extended dry spell periods and the exacerbation of drought
conditions.

3. Melting of the Icebergs

Deforestation in the cold Polar Regions also lead to the disturbance
of the ice caps. Eventually, there is increased melting which further
leads to the rise in the ocean or sea level. Climatic change is also a
consequence of this activity. When such trees are cut and the ice
begin to melt, there is that alteration in the weather pattern which
also extend to the change in the climatic conditions in the Polar
Regions. With the melting of the icebergs, there is the rise of sea
levels which might give rise to intense flooding.

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How deforestation affects humans and
animals

1. Vanishing of Species (biodiversity loss)

There are numerous species that depend on the forest habitats for
survival, breeding, and development. It is estimated that about 80%
of the world's species live in the tropical rainforests. These species
are specifically supported by the rich forest environments that
provide them with food and shelter. In most cases, when there is
deforestation, many animals that depend on trees for livelihood are
disadvantaged.
To be precise, birds, reptiles, amphibians among many other classes
of animals depend on trees for food and shelter. Whenever there is
deforestation, these species that are lost either through death,
migration, or the general degradation of their habitat. As an instance
in this case, many animal species that were found in the West African
Equatorial Rain Forest have vanished without a trace. Furthermore,
some animal species such as the Northern spotted Owl in the
Western United States cannot survive in secondary forest habitat.

2. Low Agricultural Produce

Humans may not be affected directly but as a result of the climatic
change, they have to suffer from the consequences of their actions.
Deforestation leads to the change in climate. This even further leads
to the altered weather pattern. It can be characterized by the
extreme heat or too much rainfall.
Deforestation also degrades soil quality and is a major cause of the
world's rapid desertification. Such weather patterns and\
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environmental changes contribute to the plummeting of the
agricultural production. Humans are hit by food shortage due to the
low agricultural produce.

3. Extreme Climate and Low Life Quality

Many people decry the extreme weather conditions such as the
intense heat in the US, India and many other parts in Middle East, or
extreme rainfalls in South America. But few people have thought
about deforestation as the main contributor. This ramification is so
severe. It lowers the quality of living conditions and leads to the
emergence of various problems that may lead to death.
Extreme changes in climate patterns can alter creature's habitats and
decrease water and food availability. This may lead to loss of
biodiversity, death and even extinction for the creatures without the
necessary adaptive mechanisms.

4. Natural Disasters
Though this may not come directly as a result of deforestation but it
is a consequence of climate change. Natural disasters such as
flooding may be caused by the climate change and they mostly result
in deaths or displacement of people. Without trees there is also
increased soil erosion which depletes soil fertility and the outcome is
the loss of arable land. In the long-term, it results in famine, hunger,
and food insecurity. Deforestation also heightens the possibility of
complete desertification which can worsen the effects of drought
and aridity.

5. Disrupted Livelihoods

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Thousands and thousands of people all over the world are
contingent upon forests for hunting, gathering and medicine, small-
scale agriculture and forest resources such as rubber and palm oil.
However, deforestation interferes with the lives of such people, at
times with wrecking consequences.
In some areas deforestation has contributed to migration and social
conflicts. Accordingly, thousands of people lose their source of
livelihood on the account of deforestation.

6. Disruption of the Water Cycle

Trees play a critical role in facilitating the continuity of the water
cycle which aids to maintain a balance between the water in the
atmosphere and the water on land. But when deforestation takes
place, the water balance goes away, resulting in changes in water
cycle.
The direct outcome is alteration of habitats that depend on
particular precipitation pattern, river flow or water availability from
adjacent water sources. Species losses may occur whenever the
water cycle is disrupted.

Effects Of Noise Pollution

1. Hearing Problems: Any unwanted sound that our ears have not
been will to filter can cause problems within the body. Our ears can
take in a certain range of sounds without getting damaged. Man
made noises such as jackhammers, horns, machinery, airplanes and
even vehicles can be too loud for our hearing range. Constant
exposure to loud levels of noise can easily result in the damage of
our ear drums and loss of hearing. It also reduces our sensitivity to

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sounds that our ears pick up unconsciously to regulate our body's
rhythm.
2. Health Issues: Excessive noise pollution in working areas such as
offices, construction sites, bars and even in our homes can influence
psychological health. Studies show that the occurrence of aggressive
behaviour, disturbance of sleep, constant stress, fatigue and
hypertension can be linked to excessive noise levels. These in turn
can cause more severe and chronic health issues later in life.
3. Sleeping Disorders: Loud noise can certainly hamper your
sleeping pattern and may lead to irritation and uncomfortable
situations. Without a good night sleep, it may lead to problems
related to fatigue and your performance may go down in office as
well as at home. It is therefore recommended to take a sound sleep
to give your body proper rest.
4. Cardiovascular Issues: Blood pressure levels, cardio-vascular
disease and stress related heart problems are on the rise. Studies
suggest that high intensity noise causes high blood pressure and
increases heart beat rate as it disrupts the normal blood flow.
Bringing them to a manageable level depends on our understanding
noise pollution and how we tackle it.
5. Trouble Communicating: High decibel noise can put trouble
and may not allow two people to communicate freely. This may lead
to misunderstanding and you may get difficult understanding the
other person. Constant sharp noise can give you severe headache
and disturb your emotional balance.
6. Effect on Wildlife: Wildlife faces far more problems than
humans because noise pollution since they are more dependent on
sound. Animals develop a better sense of hearing than us since their
survival depends on it. The ill effects of excessive noise begin at

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home. Pets react more aggressively in households where there is
constant noise.

Discussion and Recommendations

Growing urbanization and migration of population in search for
better employment opportunities to Delhi is constantly putting
pressure on city's limited environmental resources. Tough the green
cover has increased in past several years due to massive plantation
drives and awareness schemes, other assets like lakes, groundwater,
river etc. are under constant threat due to their over exploitation. To
make an informed, scientific decision about saving these natural and
environmental resources and to retain them to their closest pristine
form, urgent measures are required. Measures like easing out
transportation services are needed to deal with problems pertaining
to air pollution. Initiatives by government of Delhi to only ply those
private vehicles on road which have even numbers on dates having
even count and same with odd is a noble step which needs to be
executed with few exceptions. Waste management is one such area
which needs to be deal with care and urgency. Segregation while
collection should be the desired practice for municipal authorities.
Different colour bags should be assigned for different kind of wastes
which can be directly sent to processing plants. Principle of Recycle
and Reuse should be adopted which can help Delhi get rid of tons of
pollutants. Zero net waste should be the objective which can only be
attained if proper care is taken of the waste. For increasing and
maintaining the forest cover, the horticulture department should
make proper road map. Large scale plantation drive and
maintenance of existing plants should be done. This can be helpful in
dealing with the menace of Air pollution. To deal with pollution of
river Yamuna in Delhi, one needs to take care of all the drains falling
out in Yamuna. Interceptor drains should be made to process waste

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water reaching Yamuna. Any wastewater reaching Yamuna should be
processed beforehand so that sanctity and water quality of Yamuna
improves. Recreational models should be developed near Yamuna
which will help build connection of Yamuna with residents of Delhi.
Conclusively, joint efforts need to be made on part of government
machinery and citizenry which will enable overcome the
environmental concerns of Delhi.

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Government's steps to control pollution
in Delhi

 There are mobile enforcement teams deployed at various

locations for monitoring polluting vehicles and vehicles not
having PUC certificates.
• A Mass Rapid Transport System (MRTS) is being constructed with
the aim of providing a non-polluting, useful and affordable rail-based
mass rapid transit system for Delhi, integrated with other modes of
transport.
• With a view to reducing vehicular pollution, there has been a ban
imposed on the plying of more than 15 years old
commercial/transport vehicles, taxis and autos that run on
conventional fuels, including diesel driven city buses.
• There has also been tightening of mass emission standards for new
vehicles.
• The quality of the fuel being supplied in Delhi has been significantly
improved over the years by the ban of selling leaded petrol,
introduction of low sulphur diesel, reduction of sulphur and benzene
content in petrol.
•There has been regular placement of dustbins, purchase of
additional front-end loaders, mechanical sweepers, dumper placers,
tipper trucks, to collect and dispose of garbage.
•Steps are taken to transform garbage into compost by developing
new sanitary land-fill sites.
• The Delhi Government has constituted a committee to implement
the Bio-Medical Waste (management and handling) Rules, 1998.

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• The Delhi Degradable Plastic Bag (Manufacture, Sale and Usage)
and Garbage (Control) Act 2000 has been enacted for banning the
manufacture and use of plastic bags, etc.
• Government has banned the manufacturing of BSLV III engines, and
implemented policy to ensure that only eco-friendly BSLV IV engine
is manufactured.

It's not that the Government is not taking steps to control pollution
in Delhi. But we need proper and efficient implementation of plans
and programmes and policies launched by the Government.

How can citizens of Delhi help in reducing

pollution?
Pollution in Delhi is a perpetual problem which need to be looked
upon as a serious issue not only by the Government but also by the
citizens of the city.
• One of the easiest ways is that there should be an efficient
involvement of Resident Welfare Associations in various localities in
collection, segregation of garbage from houses and the societies.
• Citizens can take steps to covert the garbage into compost in their
localities.
• More and more trees must be planted in every locality.
•Every individual should keep a proper check on the pollution level
of their vehicles.

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• Making more use of CNG.
•One of the best ways to control pollution is to manage wastes of all
types in a proper manner.
 Each and every citizen should abide by the 3Rs: Recycle, Reuse,
Reduce.
 . More and more people should use bus and metro instead of
cars and scooters, as they can carry a lot more people in one
journey. Car pool is also a good option.
 Controlling the use of energy and making use of electricity in an
efficient manner.
 •One can also reduce water pollution by reducing the use of
chemicals, cleaning agents, pesticides, herbicides, fertilizers
etc.
It is the duty of every citizen to think in a broader perspective to
control pollution. We really don't want our future generations to live
in an unhealthy environment in Delhi. We really don't want our
children or our elders to get into incessant coughing due to pollution.
Like we say charity begins at home, I take a pledge to do what I can
for my environment and protect it to the best I can. If each one of us
takes a pledge to do our bit for our environment, I am sure Delhi will
be a better place to live in. Even a small step count.

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BIBLIOGRAPHY:
1. Official Websites:
 www.omicsonline.org
 www-geospatialworld-net.cdn.ampproject.org
 en.m.wikipedia.org
 www-mapsofindia-com.cdn.ampproject.org

2. Research Article:
Journal of Climatology & Weather Forecasting
"Environmental Concerns in National Capital Territory of Delhi"
Shashank Shekhar Singh*, Singh SK and Shuchita Garg
Environmental Engineering Department, Delhi Technological
University, Delhi, India

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