Overview of Air Pollution in Mega Cities
In India's mega cities, air pollution poses a severe threat to public health and the environment. Among various sources, the transport sector stands out as the dominant contributor.
Key Sources of Air Pollution
- Emissions from Vehicles: The transport sector includes a wide array of vehicles—cars, buses, trucks, and two-wheelers. These vehicles emit significant amounts of pollutants such as nitrogen oxides (NOx), carbon monoxide (CO), and particulate matter (PM).
- Rapid Urbanization: With an increase in population and urban development, the number of vehicles on the road has surged, leading to higher emissions and worsening air quality.
- Poor Public Transport Infrastructure: Inadequate public transport options force many people to rely on personal vehicles, further exacerbating traffic congestion and pollution levels.
Comparative Analysis with Other Sources
- Thermal Power: While thermal power plants contribute to air pollution, especially in terms of sulfur dioxide (SO2) and particulate matter, their impact is less immediate compared to daily vehicular emissions in densely populated areas.
- Municipal Waste: Waste burning and improper waste disposal contribute to air pollution, but their effects are localized compared to the widespread impact of the transport sector.
- Commercial Sector: This sector does contribute to pollution, primarily through emissions from industries and construction, but again, the scale is not as pronounced as that of the transport sector.
Conclusion
In summary, the transport sector is the leading source of air pollution in India's mega cities due to the high volume of vehicles, inadequate infrastructure, and rapid urbanization. Addressing this issue requires comprehensive policy measures aimed at reducing vehicular emissions and promoting sustainable transportation alternatives.