Kinds of Environmental Pollution – Water, Air and Noise Pollution (With Legal Provisions and Cases)

Kinds of Environmental Pollution: Water, Air and Noise Pollution Explained (With Legal Provisions, Case Laws & MCQs)

Environmental pollution is one of the gravest challenges before modern civilization. Rapid industrialization, urbanization, mechanization and population growth have severely disturbed the natural balance of the environment. Pollution is not merely a scientific issue; it is a legal, social and constitutional concern affecting the fundamental right to life under Article 21 of the Constitution of India.

The major kinds of environmental pollution are:

1. Water Pollution

2. Air Pollution

3. Noise Pollution

This article explains each type in detail along with statutory definitions, causes, consequences, landmark cases and practical implications.

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1. Water Pollution

Water is essential for life. When its physical, chemical or biological properties are altered to the extent that it becomes harmful for humans, animals, plants or aquatic organisms, it is called water pollution.

Legal Definition

Under Section 2(e) of the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974, “pollution” means:

        Contamination of water or alteration of its physical, chemical or biological properties, or discharge of sewage or trade effluents or other substances into water, directly or indirectly, which may render it harmful to public health, safety, domestic, commercial, agricultural or other uses, or to animals, plants and aquatic organisms.

Meaning and Nature of Water Pollution

Freshwater ecosystems include lakes, ponds, rivers and springs. These ecosystems function properly when sunlight, oxygen, carbon dioxide and nutrients are available in balanced proportions.

Water becomes polluted when:

•Unwanted substances mix with natural water

•Its chemical and physical quality deteriorates

•It becomes unfit for drinking, irrigation, industry or aquatic life

Both soluble (chemicals, detergents, heavy metals) and insoluble impurities (solid waste, plastics, sludge) contribute to water pollution.

Causes of Water Pollution

(1). Industrial Effluents – Factories discharge untreated waste into rivers and lakes.

(2). Sewage Disposal – Domestic waste enters water bodies without treatment.

(3). Agricultural Runoff – Pesticides, fertilizers and chemical residues flow into rivers.

(4). Religious Practices – Cremation remains and ritual disposal of bodies in rivers like the Ganges.

(5). Chemical Industries – Release of cyanides, heavy metals, dyes, detergents and solvents.

A classic example is the Minamata disease in Japan caused by mercury contamination.

Consequences of Water Pollution

Water pollution has direct health, economic and ecological consequences:

(1) Spread of Diseases

Polluted water causes:

• Gastroenteritis

• Diarrhea

• Cholera

• Jaundice

• Polio

• Filariasis

These diseases lead to economic loss and physical suffering.

(2) Aquatic Life Destruction

Industrial discharge reduces oxygen levels, killing fish and other organisms.

(3) Water Scarcity

Excess pollution makes water unfit for use, increasing dependency on deep groundwater (fossil water).

(4) International Water Disputes

Water scarcity and pollution have triggered disputes:

• Indus River between India and Pakistan

• Euphrates River between Iraq and Syria

• Colorado River between USA and Mexico

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2. Air Pollution

Air is the most essential element for survival. A normal human inhales approximately 16 kg of air daily. Oxygen constitutes about 21% of the atmosphere.

When pollutants disturb the natural gaseous balance of the atmosphere, air pollution occurs.

Legal Definition

Under Section 2(a) and 2(b) of the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981, air pollution includes:

Presence of solid, liquid, gaseous substances (including noise) in the atmosphere in such concentration as may be harmful to humans, animals, plants, property or environment.

Section 280 of the  Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023 also criminalizes vitiation of the atmosphere harmful to public health.

Causes of Air Pollution

(1). Motor Vehicles – Responsible for nearly 60% of urban air pollution.

(2). Industrial Emissions

(3). Thermal Power Plants

(4). Cigarette Smoking

(5). Aircraft Emissions

(6). Deforestation

(7). Natural Causes – Volcanoes, forest fires, thunderstorms

Combustion of petrol releases carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxides which contaminate vast volumes of air.

Major Incidents of Air Pollution

• Los Angeles Smog (1948)

• London Smog (1952)

• Bhopal Gas Tragedy – Leakage of methyl isocyanate gas from Union Carbide factory killing thousands.

Impact on Monuments

Pollutants from Mathura refinery affected the marble of the Taj Mahal.

In M.C. Mehta v. Union of India, the Supreme Court ordered relocation of 292 polluting industries around Taj Trapezium Zone.

The Court held:

Taj is a priceless heritage of the nation and must be protected from pollution.

Effects of Air Pollution

• Respiratory diseases

• Lung cancer

• Asthma

• Ozone layer depletion

• Acid rain

• Damage to monuments

• Climate imbalance

(Air pollution directly affects Article 21 – Right to Life.)

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3. Noise Pollution

Noise pollution is excessive or unwanted sound that disturbs environmental balance and human health.

Decibel (dB) is the unit of sound intensity:

• 0 dB – Beginning of sound

• 180 dB – Threshold of pain

• 85 dB – Potentially harmful level

Sources of Noise Pollution

• Railways

• Motor vehicles

• Loudspeakers

• Diwali crackers (120 dB)

• Wedding processions (80–90 dB)

• Industrial machinery

Legal Position

Noise is included within air pollution under the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981.

Important Cases

1. Free Legal Aid Cell v. Govt. of NCT of Delhi-  Noise beyond reasonable limits violates Article 21.

2. Church of God (Full Gospel) in India v. K.K.R. Majestic Colony Welfare Association- Freedom of religion is not absolute. Public health prevails over religious noise.

3. Bada Bazar Fire Works Dealers Association v. Commissioner of Police- Factories cannot emit sound beyond permissible limits.

Effects of Noise Pollution

• Mental stress

• Insomnia

• High blood pressure

• Heart diseases

• Deafness

• Irritability

• Reduced work efficiency

(Excessive noise is not culture; it is environmental violation.)

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Conclusion

Environmental pollution—whether water, air or noise—is not merely environmental degradation but a direct attack on human dignity and constitutional rights. Laws exist, courts intervene, but enforcement remains weak.

Industrialization without responsibility leads to disaster. Development without sustainability destroys future generations.

Protection of environment is not optional; it is a constitutional duty under Article 51A(g).

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What are the main types of environmental pollution?

-Water pollution, air pollution and noise pollution.

2. Which Act governs water pollution in India?

-The Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution)Act, 1974.

3. Is noise included under air pollution law?

-Yes, under the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981.

4. Which case protected the Taj Mahal from pollution?

-M.C. Mehta v. Union of India (1997).

5. What constitutional article protects against pollution?

- Article 21 – Right to Life.

6. What is Minamata disease?

- A disease caused by mercury-contaminated water.

7. Which BNS section punishes air pollution?

-Section 280 BNS

8. How does water pollution affect health?

-It spreads diseases like cholera, diarrhea and jaundice.

9. What is the unit of sound intensity?

-Decibel (dB)

10. Can religious practices justify noise pollution?

-No. Public health prevails over religious freedom.

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Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)

1. Water pollution is defined under:

A. Environment Protection Act

B. Water Act 1974

C. IPC

D. Forest Act

Answer: B

2. Oxygen constitutes approximately:

A. 10%

B. 15%

C. 21%

D. 30%

Answer: C

3. Noise pollution is included under:

A. Water Act

B. IPC

C. Air Act

D. Forest Act

Answer: C

4. Bhopal Gas Tragedy occurred in:

A. 1975

B. 1984

C. 1991

D. 2001

Answer: B

5. Section 280 BNS deals with:

A. Water contamination

B. Air vitiation

C. Noise control

D. Forest conservation

Answer: B

6. Minamata disease is caused by:

A. Lead

B. Mercury

C. Arsenic

D. Sulphur

Answer: B

7. The Taj Mahal case is:

A. Bhopal case

B. Oleum gas leak case

C. M.C. Mehta case

D. Vellore case

Answer: C

8. Decibel measures:

A. Temperature

B. Water purity

C. Sound intensity

D. Radiation

Answer: C

9. Article 21 relates to:

A. Property

B. Religion

C. Life and liberty

D. Trade

Answer: C

10. Excessive noise may cause:

A. Improved sleep

B. Mental stress

C. Increased oxygen

D. Water purity

Answer: B