Pollution is like cancer that destroys the eco-system.  At the start of every year, we create millions resolutions across the world to make earth pollution free, free of plastics, etc.  And more often than not these resolutions fall mid-way only to be taken up again the following year.  In India, for example, the tax paying population is only 2% or less.  This number has strong correlation with the percentage of people that have above average level of education and hence proportional to their levels of environmental awareness.  For the 2%, it is perhaps safe to assume that each individual in this small group is driven by some level of motivation.  It is the motivation that translates, nurtures and drives their aspirations or resolutions.  But alas! The remaining 98% of the population would need basic to above average level of education before they could commit to resolutions or understand and appreciate the intent behind having a resolution.  Given this disparity at a fundamental level, it is hard for new environmental initiatives that are more dependent on pro-activeness to succeed.  In this article, I would like to explore the factors that influence the success or failure of commitments to make India a pollution free state. 

Pollution types include water, air, noise, improper disposal of wastes, use of non-biodegradable substances including fiber optic wastes, etc.  There are several aspects to the topic of pollution.  Let?s look at the types of pollution and the factors that cause pollution.   Starting from non-awareness, there are several factors that cause pollution.  For example, the cities have a high concentration of businesses.  The overcrowding of cities makes it difficult for government agencies to maintain a clean and healthy environment.  There is less green space in cities which is normally dedicated only for growing trees.  However, small green patches are still visible in cities but these are not sufficient to balance the increasing population and pollution.

For people, their primary goal is survival.  The aim for survival sidelines the effects or thoughts about the path each citizen takes as an individual.  Same is witnessed in many instances where our environment is polluted.  For example, in major cities across India, there are three wheeler taxis that are referred to as ?auto rikshaws?.  These run on petrol and diesel with tested and measured volumes of polluting substances.  However, to maximize the vehicle mileage and reduce running costs, the drivers often add chemicals which result in a white smoke dominated by CO and NOx. Both of these ingredients are highly poisonous and their levels in the air should be strictly kept under constant watch.  Research from leading academic institutions have proved the consequences of inhaling this smoke in some cases have resulted many lung diseases including death.  But with the goal not aligned towards being environmental friendly, these issues do not receive any attention or preventive action. 

In developing economies, the need to earn money is important for survival in cities.  And the means through which the money is earned is secondary.  As more jobs are localized, the cities experience pollutions of all sorts. Improper disposal of contagious wastes, poisonous substances, food wastes, excessive noise and over production are some examples that may be observed.  On top of the pollution, the drainage system which channelizes these wastes are often not maintained well resulting in a deluge of issues including spread of diseases and domestic animals consuming these wastes. 

India is in a state of rapid development where many activities run in parallel.  Pollution management is critical for survival and development of India.  The success of nation and the future growth will depend a lot on how effectively the pollution is controlled and a pollution free state is sustained.

 Image credit:  1.  ekabadi.com

                        2.  en.wikipedia.org

                        3.  sachtimes.com