Kinds of Pollution

 Pollution refers to the contamination (making dirty) of the natural environment resulting in adverse effects on living beings and the ecosystem.

Environmental pollution refers to the contamination of natural resources due to harmful substances, adversely affecting living organisms and ecosystems. The major types of environmental pollution include:

1.     Air Pollution – Caused by industrial emissions, vehicle exhausts, burning of fossil fuels, etc. It includes pollutants like carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and particulate matter. It leads to respiratory diseases, global warming, and acid rain.
Case: M.C. Mehta v. Union of India (Vehicular Pollution case), AIR 1999 SC 301.

2.     Water Pollution – Discharge of untreated industrial effluents, sewage, and chemicals into water bodies. It affects aquatic life and human health.
Case: M.C. Mehta v. Union of India (Ganga Pollution Case), AIR 1988 SC 1037.

3.     Soil Pollution – Due to overuse of pesticides, fertilizers, industrial waste disposal, and deforestation. It degrades soil fertility and contaminates crops.

4.     Noise Pollution – Arises from loudspeakers, vehicles, industrial machines, and construction work. It affects mental health and leads to hearing loss.
Case: In Re: Noise Pollution – Implementation of the Laws, (2005) 5 SCC 733.

5.     Thermal and Radioactive Pollution – Release of heat and radioactive substances by power plants and nuclear industries affect ecosystems and cause genetic damage.

6.     Plastic and Solid Waste Pollution – Non-biodegradable waste clogs drains and pollutes land and water.

Each kind of pollution affects the environment and public health, violating Article 21 of the Constitution. Preventive and remedial measures are essential through legislation like the Environment Protection Act, 1986 and judicial activism.