AIR POLLUTION IN MANDIDEEP: CAUSES

AND REMEDIES

SUBMITTED TO:
NATIONAL GREEN TRIBUNAL
CENTRAL ZONAL BENCH, BHOPAL

SUBMITTED BY:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.

YASH DUBEY
ADITYA SHARMA
SAKSHI JAIN
MEGHNA LAL
SHIVAM VIJAYVARGIYA
AUSTIN JOY TIRKEY
HEMANT PRAJAPATI

1 | Page

CONTENTS
AN INTRODUCTION TO AIR POLLUTION: CLASSIFICATIONS, DEFINITIONS AND
HISTORY..................................................................................................................... 3
TYPES OF POLLUTANTS............................................................................................ 4
A BRIEF OVER VIEW OF AIR POLLUTION LAWS IN INDIA..............................................6
A BRIEF OVER VIEW OF AIR POLLUTION LAWS IN OTHER COUNTRIES......................12
HOW THE CLEAN AIR ACT CONTROLS COMMON, WIDESPREAD POLLUTANTS.......12
AIR QUALITY STANDARDS AND THEIR IMPLEMENTATION: OVERVIEW....................12
DESIGNATION OF CLEAN AND DIRTY AIR AREAS....................................................13
STATE IMPLEMENTATION PLANS............................................................................. 13
CONTROL TECHNIQUES GUIDANCE.......................................................................13
INTERSTATE AIR POLLUTION..................................................................................14
NATIONAL STANDARDS FOR NEW STATIONARY SOURCES (E.G., POWER PLANTS
AND FACTORIES).................................................................................................... 15
HOW THE CLEAN AIR ACT REGULATES HAZARDOUS AIR POLLUTANTS..................15
HOW THE CLEAN AIR ACT PROTECTS VISIBILITY IN NATIONAL PARKS...................17
REGIONAL GAZE................................................................................................. 17
HOW THE CLEAN AIR ACT CONTROLS ACID RAIN..................................................17
HOW THE ACT PROVIDES FOR OPERATING PERMITS..............................................19
HOW THE CLEAN AIR ACT RELATES TO STATE CLEAN AIR LAWS............................19
COMPARISION OF INDIAN LAWS WITH THAT OF USA................................................21
SOURCES OF POLLTUTION IN MANDIDEEP................................................................25
MEASURES TO CONTROL AIR POLLUTION IN MANDIDEEP......................................29
WHAT CAN BE DONE TO REDUCE AIR POLLUTION....................................................32
CONCLUSION............................................................................................................ 34

2 | Page

AN INTRODUCTION TO AIR POLLUTION:

CLASSIFICATIONS, DEFINITIONS AND HISTORY
The present-day atmosphere is quite different from the natural atmosphere that existed before the
Industrial Revolution (circa 17601), in terms of chemical composition. If the natural atmosphere
is considered to be clean, then this means that clean air cannot be found anywhere in todays
atmosphere.
Defining air pollution is not simple. One could claim that air pollution started when humans
began burning fuels. In other words, all man-made (anthropogenic) emissions into the air can be
called air pollution, because they alter the chemical composition of the natural atmosphere. The
increase in the global concentrations of greenhouse gases CO2, CH4, and N2O can be called air
pollution using this approach, even though the concentrations have not found to be toxic for
humans and the ecosystem. One can refine this approach and only consider anthropogenic
emissions of harmful chemicals as air pollution.
However, this refined approach has some drawbacks. Firstly, one has to define what harmful
means. Harmful could mean an adverse effect on the health of living things, an adverse effect
on anthropogenic or natural non-living structures, or a reduction in the airs visibility. Also, a
chemical that does not cause any short-term harmful effects may accumulate in the atmosphere
and create a long-term harmful effect.
For example, anthropogenic emissions of chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) were once considered
safe because they are inert in the lowest part of the atmosphere called the troposphere. However,
once these chemicals enter the stratosphere, ultraviolet radiation can convert them into highly
reactive species that can have a devastating effect on stratospheric ozone. Similarly,
anthropogenic CO2 emissions from combustion processes were considered safe because they are
not toxic, but the long-term accumulation of CO2 in the atmosphere may lead to a climate
change, which could then be harmful to humans and the ecosystem.
Another drawback of this approach is that it does not consider natural emissions as air pollution
even though they can be very harmful, such as gases and particles from volcanic eruptions, and
smoke from forest fires caused by natural processes (lightning strikes).So besides anthropogenic
emissions, it is useful to also consider geogenic emissions and biogenic emissions as contributors
to air pollution. Geogenic6 emissions are defined as emissions caused by the non-living world,
such as volcanic emissions, sea-salt emissions, and natural fires. Biogenic emissions come from
the living world; such as volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions from forests and CH4
emissions from swamps.
.
3 | Page

Human activity can also influence geogenic and biogenic emissions. For example, human
applications of nitrogen fertilizers in agriculture can result in increased biogenic emissions of
nitrogen compounds from the soil. Also, humans can affect the biogenic emissions of VOC by
cutting down trees or planting trees. Lastly, geogenic emissions of dust from the earths surface
can be altered if the surface is changed by human activity.
So taking all of the above into account, we can define an air pollutant as any substance
emitted into the air from an anthropogenic, biogenic, or geogenic source, that is either not part of
the natural atmosphere or is present in higher concentrations than the natural atmosphere, and
may cause a short-term or long-term adverse effect.

TYPES OF POLLUTANTS
Pollutants can be classified as primary or secondary. Primary pollutants are substances that are
directly emitted into the atmosphere from sources. The main primary pollutants known to cause
harm in high enough concentrations are the following:
Carbon compounds, such as CO, CO2, CH4, and VOCs
Nitrogen compounds, such as NO, N2O, and NH3
Sulfur compounds, such as H2S and SO2
Halogen compounds, such as chlorides, fluorides, and bromides
Particulate Matter (PM or aerosols), either in solid or liquid form, which is usually
categorized into these groups based on the aerodynamic diameter of the particles:
1. Particles less than 100 microns, which are also called inhalable since they can easily enter
the nose and mouth.
2. Particles less than 10 microns (PM10, often labeled fine in Europe).These particles are also
called thoracic since they can penetrate deep in the respiratory system.
3. Particles less than 4 microns. These particles are often called respirable because they are
small enough to pass completely through the respiratory system and enter the bloodstream.
4. Particles less than 2.5 microns (PM2.5, labeled fine in the US).
5. Particles less than 0.1 microns (PM0.1, ultrafine).

4 | Page

Sulfur compounds were responsible for the traditional wintertime sulfur smog in London in the
mid-20th century. These anthropogenic pollutants have sometimes reached lethal concentrations
in the atmosphere, such as during the infamous London episode of December 1952.
Secondary pollutants are not directly emitted from sources, but instead form in the atmosphere
from primary pollutants (also called precursors). The main secondary pollutants known to
cause harm in high enough concentrations are the following:
NO2 and HNO3 formed from NO
Ozone (O3) formed from photochemical reactions of nitrogen oxides and VOCs
Sulfuric acid droplets formed from SO2, and nitric acid droplets formed from NO2
Sulfates and nitrates aerosols (e.g., ammonium (bi) sulfate and ammonium nitrate) formed from
reactions of sulfuric acid droplets and nitric acid droplets with NH3, respectively
Organic aerosols formed from VOCs in gas-to-particle reactions in the 20th century, it was
recognized that petroleum products are responsible for a new type of smog, a photochemical
summertime smog composed of secondary pollutants such as ozone, that is quite different from
the winter sulfur smog described earlier. This smog has been labeled Los Angeles smog, to
differentiate from the London smog described before.
Photochemical smog1was first recognized in the city of Los Angeles in the1940s. After decades
of research, the smog was identified as the product of photochemical reactions involving
precursors (nitrogen oxides and VOC) and sunlight, with the production of ozone and other
secondary chemicals.
While nitrogen oxides are emitted by a wide variety of sources, automobiles mostly emit VOCs,
even though contributions can be found from vegetation and common human activities, such as
bakeries
Some secondary pollutants sulfates, nitrates, and organic particles can be transported over
large distances, such as hundreds and even thousands of miles. Wet and dry deposition of these
pollutants contributes to the acid deposition problem (often called acid rain), with possible
damage to soils, vegetation, and susceptible lakes.

5 | Page

A BRIEF OVER VIEW OF AIR POLLUTION LAWS IN

INDIA
The major act which governs the laws on air pollution in India is THE AIR (PREVENTION
AND CONTROL OF POLLUTION) ACT, 1981(Act No. 14 of 1981). The prevention and
control of air pollution in India as mention in Act are
19. Power to declare air pollution control areas. Section 19 of the Air Pollution Act, 1981,
relates to the applicability of the Act to certain areas. Sub-section (5) empowers the State
Government after consultation with the state Board to prohibit the burning of any material (not
being fuel) in any air pollution control area or part thereof, which may cause or likely to cause
air pollution.
20. Power to give instructions for ensuring standards for emission from automobiles With a
view to ensuring that the standards for emission of air pollutions from automobiles laid down by
the State Board under CI. (g) of sub-section (1) of Sec. 17 are complied with, the State
Government shall, in consultation with the State Board, give such instructions as may be deemed
necessary to the concerned authority in charge of registration of motor vehicles under the Motor
Vehicles Act (4 of 1939) and such authority shall, notwithstanding anything contained in that Act
or the rules made there under be bound to comply with such instructions.
21. Restrictions on use of certain industrial plants. Subject to the provisions of this section, no
person shall, without the previous consent of the State Board, establish or operate any industrial
plant in an air pollution control area. Sub section (5) of 21 states that Every person to whom
consent has been granted by the State Board under sub-section (4), shall comply with the
following conditions, namely:
(i) The control equipment of such specifications as the State Board may approve in this behalf
shall be installed and operated in the premises where the industry in carried on or proposed to be
carried on:
(ii) The existing control equipment, it any, shall be altered or replaced in accordance with the
directions of the State Board;
(iii) The control equipment referred to in CI. (i) or CI. (ii) Shall be kept at all times in goods
running conditions;
(iv) Chimney, wherever necessary, of such specifications as the State Board may approve in this
behalf shall be erected or re-erected in such premises;
(v) Such other conditions as the State Board may specify in this behalf; and
6 | Page

(vi) The conditions referred to in CIs. (i), (ii), and (iv) shall be complied with within such period
as the State Board may specify in this behalf: Provided that in the case of a person operating any
industrial plant in an air pollution control area immediately before the date of declaration of such
area as an air pollution control area, the period so specified shall not be less than six months:
Provided further that
(a) After the installation of any control equipment in accordance with the specifications under CI.
(i) or,
(b) After the alteration or replacement of any control equipment in accordance with the directions
of the State Board under CI. (ii), or
(c) After the alteration or re-erection of any chimney under CI. (iv), no control equipment of
chimney shall be altered or replaced or, as the case may be, erected or re-erected except with the
previous approval of the State Board
22. Persons carrying on industry, etc, not to allow emission of air pollutants in excess of the
standards laid down by state Board No person operating any industrial plant, in any air
pollution control area shall discharge or cause or permit to be discharged the emission of any air
pollution in excess of the standards laid down by the State Board under CI. (g) of sub-section (1)
of Sec. 17.
22. A. Power of board to make application to Court for restraining persons from causing air
pollution
(1) Where it is apprehended by a Board that emission of any air pollutant, in excess of the
standards laid down by the State Board under CI. (g) of sub-section (1) of Sec. 17, is likely to
occur by reason of any person operating an industrial plant or otherwise in any air pollution
control area, the Board may make an application to a Court, not inferior to that of a Metropolitan
Magistrate or a Judicial Magistrate of the first class for restraining such person from emitting
such air pollutant
23. Furnishing of information to State Board and other agencies in certain cases.
(1) Where in any area the emission of any air pollutant into the atmosphere in excess of the
standards laid down by the State Board occurs or is apprehended to occur due to accident or
other unforeseen act or event, the person in charge of the premises from where such emission
occurs or is apprehended to occur shall forthwith intimate the fact of such occurrence or the
apprehension of such occurrence to the State Board and to such authorities or agencies as may be
prescribed.
(2) On receipt of information with respect to the fact or the apprehension of any occurrence of
the nature referred to in sub-section (1), whether through intimation under that sub-section or
7 | Page

otherwise, the State Board and the authorities as are necessary to mitigate the emission of such
air pollutants.
(3) Expenses, if any, incurrent by the State Board, authority or agency with respect to the
remedial measures referred to in sub-section (2) together with interest (at such reasonable rate, as
the State Government may, by order, fix from the date when a demand fro the expenses is made
until it is paid, may be recovered by that Board, authority or agency from the person concerned,
as arrears of land revenue, or of public demand.

24. Power of entry and inspection (1) Subject to the provisions of this section, any person
empowered by a State Board in this behalf shall have a right to enter, at all reasonable times with
such assistance as he considers necessary, any place
(a) For the purpose of performing any of the functions of the State Board entrusted to him;
(b) For the purpose of determining whether and if so in what manner, any such functions are to
be performed or whether any provisions of this Act or the rules made thereunder or nay notice,
order, direction or authorization served, made, given or granted under this Act is being or has
been complied with.
(c) For the purpose of examining and testing any control equipment, industrial plant, record,
register, document or any other material object or for conducting a search of any place in which
he has reason to believe that an offence under this Act or the rules made there under has been or
is being or is about to be committed and for seizing any such control equipment, industrial plant,
record ,register, document or other material object if he has reasons to believe that it may furnish
evidence of the commission of an offence punishable under this Act or the rules made there
under.
(2) Every person operating any control equipment or any industrial plant, in an air pollution
control area shall be bound to render all assistance to the person empowered by the State Board
under sub-section (1) for carrying out the functions under that sub-section and if he fails to do so
without any reasonable cause or excuse, he shall be guilty of an offence under this Act.
(3) If any person willfully delays or obstructs any person empowered by the State Board under
sub-section (1) in the discharge of his duties he shall be guilty of an offence under this Act.
(4) The provisions of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 (2 of 1974), or, in relation to the
State of Jammu and Kashmir, or any area in which that Code is not in force, the provisions of
any corresponding law in force in that State or area, shall, so far as may be, apply to any search
or seizure under this section as they apply to any search or seizure made under the authority of a
warrant issued under Sec. 94 of the said Code or, as the case may be, under the corresponding
provisions of the said law.
8 | Page

25. Power to obtain information

For the purposes of carrying out the functions entrusted to it, the State Board or any officer
empowered by it in that behalf may call for nay information (including information regarding the
types of are pollutants emitted into the atmosphere and the level of the emission of such air
pollutions) from the occupier or any other person carrying on any industry or operating any
control equipment or industrial plant and for the purpose of verifying the correctness of such
information, the State Board or such officer shall have the right to inspect the premises where
such industry, control equipment or industrial plant is being carried on or operated.
26. Power to take samples of air or emission and procedure to be followed in connection
therewith
(1) A State Board or any officer empowered by it in this behalf shall have power to take, for the
purpose of analysis, samples of air or emission from any chimney, flue or duct or any other outlet
in such manner as may be prescribed.
(2) The result of any analysis of a sample of emission taken under sub-section (1) shall not be
admissible in evidence in any legal proceeding unless the provisions of sub-sections (3) and (4)
are complied with.
(3) Subject to the provisions of sub-section (4), when a sample of emission is taken for analysis
under subsection (1), the person taking the sample shall (a) Serve on the occupier or his agent, a notice, then and there, in such form as may be
prescribed, of his intention to have it so analysed;
(b) In the presence of the occupier or his agent, collect a sample of emission for analysis;
(c) Cause the sample to be placed in a container or containers which shall be marked and sealed
and shall also be signed both by the person taking the sample and the occupier or his agent;
(d) Send, without delay, the container or containers to the laboratory established or recognized by
the State Board under Sec. 17 or, if a request in that behalf is made by the occupier or his agent
when the notice is served on him under CI. (a), to the laboratory established or specified under
subsection (1) of Sec. 28.
(4) When a sample of emission is taken for analysis under sub-section (1) and the person taking
the sample serves on the occupier or his agent, a notice under CI. (a) of sub-section (3) then, (a) in a case where the occupier or his agent willfully absents himself, the person taking the
sample shall collect the sample of emission for analysis to be placed in a container or containers
which shall be marked and sealed and shall also be signed by the person taking the sample, and
9 | Page

(b) in a case where the occupier or his agent is present at the time of taking the sample but
refuses to sign the marked and sealed container or containers of the sample of emission as
required under CI.
(c) of sub-section (3), the marked and sealed container or containers shall be signed by the
person taking the sample, and the container or containers shall be sent without delay by the
person taking the sample for analysis to the laboratory established or specified under sub-section
(1) of Sec. 28 and such person shall inform the Government Analyst appointed under sub-section
(1) of Sec. 29,in writing about the willful absence of the occupier or his agent, or, as the case
may be, his refusal to sign the container or containers.

28. State air laboratory

(1) The State Government may, by notification in the Official Gazette, (a) Establish one or more State Air Laboratories; or
(b) Specify one or more laboratories or institutes as State Air Laboratories to carry out the
functions entrusted to the State Air Laboratory under this Act.
(2) The State Government may, after consultation with the State Board, make rules prescribing
(a) The functions of the State Air Laboratory;
(b) the procedure for the submission to the said laboratory of samples of air or emission for
analysis or tests, the form of the Laboratorys report thereon and the fees payable in respect of
such report;
(c) Such other matters as may be necessary or expedient to enable that laboratory to carry out its
functions.

29. Analysis
(1) The State Government may, by notification in the Official Gazette, appoint such persons as it
thinks fit and having the prescribed qualifications to be Government Analysts for the purpose of
analysis of samples of air or emission sent for analysis to any laboratory established or specified
under sub-section (1) of Sec. 28.
(2) Without prejudice to the provisions of Sec. 14 the State Board may, by notification in the
Official Gazette, and without the approval of the State Government, appoint such persons as it
thinks fit and having the prescribed qualifications to be Board Analysts for the purpose of
10 | P a g e

analysis of samples of air or emission sent for analysis to laboratory established or recognized
under Sec. 17.

30. Reports of analysts

Any document purporting to be a report signed by a Government Analyst or, as the case may be,
a State Board Analyst may be used as evidence of the facts stated therein in any proceedings
under this Act.

11 | P a g e

A BRIEF OVER VIEW OF AIR POLLUTION LAWS IN

OTHER COUNTRIES
HOW THE CLEAN AIR ACT CONTROLS COMMON,
WIDESPREAD POLLUTANTS
AIR QUALITY STANDARDS AND THEIR
IMPLEMENTATION: OVERVIEW
The Act requires EPA to set and revise national ambient air quality standards (NAAQS) for
certain common and widespread pollutants, known as criteria pollutants, and provides authority
for EPA to add additional pollutants.1 Standards are in effect today for six pollutants: sulfur
dioxide, carbon monoxide, particles, nitrogen dioxide, ozone and lead. EPA is directed to set
primary standards that are requisite to protect public health, including the health of sensitive
subpopulations, with an adequate margin of safety. Secondary standards are to be set at levels
requisite to protect the public from adverse effects on soil, water, crops, buildings, and other
matters separate from public health. Every five years, the Act requires EPA to review scientific
data, and determine whether to revise the standards for a pollutant. An independent scientific
advisory committee provides advice and recommendations to EPA for this review.
The air quality standards must be set based on science without regard to costs of implementing
pollution controls to achieve the standards. Costs are considered during implementation of the
standards. Implementing the air quality standards is a joint responsibility of states and EPA. In
this partnership, states are responsible for developing enforceable state implementation plans to
meet and maintain air quality that meets national standards.
Each state plan also must prohibit emissions that significantly contribute to air quality problems
in a downwind state.EPA assists state efforts by providing technical and policy guidance, and by
issuing national emissions standards for new sources as described below. EPA reviews state plans
to ensure that they comply with the Act. If a state fails to adopt and implement an adequate
plan, EPA is required to issue a federal implementation plan.

12 | P a g e

Interstate pollution transport controls, state implementation plans for nonattainment areas, and
EPAs national emission standards for new sources work together to help the nation achieve the
national ambient air quality standards.

DESIGNATION OF CLEAN AND DIRTY AIR AREAS

After EPA sets a new NAAQS or revises an existing NAAQS, EPA, considering state
recommendations, determines whether areas do or do not meet the air quality standards. These
determinations generally are based on data collected from air quality monitors located around the
country.
Areas where the air quality falls short of national standards are designated as non attainment
areas. Areas where air quality meets the standards are called attainment areas. Areas for
which data is lacking are designated unclassifiable and generally have the same obligations as
attainment areas (unless they are later redesignated nonattainment). An area can be in
attainment for one pollutant and out of attainment for another. Air quality planning and control
requirements differ for nonattainment and attainment areas.

STATE IMPLEMENTATION PLANS

States are required to devise and carry out state implementation plans (SIPs) to clean up dirty air
and protect clean air from degradation. The Act sets minimum requirements for measures that
must be included in these plans. Plans must be submitted to EPA for review to ensure that they
meet the Acts requirements.
In the air quality planning process, states use emissions inventories, emission s projections, and
computerized air quality models to estimate future air quality and improvements due to potential
control measures. State implementation plans contain emission limits and compliance schedules
for stationary pollution sources, such as power plants and factories. Depending on the pollutant,
plans may also include state measures to reduce emissions from existing vehicles, such as state
emissions inspection and maintenance programs that require cars with excessive emissions to be
tunedup or repaired.

CONTROL TECHNIQUES GUIDANCE

EPA is authorized to issue control technique guidelines (CTGs) and alternative control
techniques guidance (ACTs) to help states reduce emissions from existing stationary sources, and
Congress mandated that EPA issue guidelines for numerous industrycategories.18 This guidance
13 | P a g e

assists states in determining the levels of control that represent reasonably available control
technology for existing sources in nonattainment areas.
More generally, to assist state air quality planning, EPA is authorized to issue information on
control techniques.19 EPA also is required to make available to states information on measures to
reduce emissions from transportation, and on emission control technology through a central
database that includes information from state permit programs.20 Ensuring Development of
Implementation Plans
The Act includes provisions to ensure that states and localities submit and implement adequate
state implementation plans. Sanctions come into play if the agency finds that a state has failed
to submit or carry out an adequate state implementation plan, or if EPA disapproves a submitted
plan. If the state has not cured the deficiency within 18 months of EPAs finding or disapproval,
new major stationary sources in the nonattainment area must obtain offsetting emissions
reductions from the same source or other sources at a 2 to1 ratio. If the deficiency is not
remedied within 2 years of EPAs finding or disapproval, restrictions apply to the states use of
federal highway funds for projects in the nonattainment area. Also within 2 years, if EPA finds
that a state has failed to submit an approvable state plan to demonstrate attainment or
disapproves a submitted plan, EPA is required to develop a federal implementation plan to ensure
improvement of air quality for citizens living in that area.

INTERSTATE AIR POLLUTION

A good neighbor provision requires states to limit interstate air pollution. The law requires
state implementation plans to prohibit emissions that significantly contribute to nonattainment, or
interfere with maintenance, of an air quality standard in another state. EPA is required to issue a
federal plan if a state does not meet this requirement. A related provision (section 126) gives
states the right to petition EPA for control of pollution sources in an upwind state. If the petition
demonstrates that the sources significantly contribute to nonattainment or interfere with
maintenance of the standards in the downwind state, then EPA must impose federal control
requirements, and sources must comply within three years.
For ozone, the Act establishes a Northeast ozone transport region including 12 states and the
District of Columbia, and authorizes EPA to create other ozone transport regions. Specified
controls (e.g., RACT for existing sources, and LAER and offsets for new sources) are required in
these regions.

14 | P a g e

NATIONAL STANDARDS FOR NEW STATIONARY SOURCES

(E.G., POWER PLANTS AND FACTORIES)
EPA must set emissions standards for new and modified stationary pollution sources in source
categories that significantly endanger public health or welfare. These new source performance
standards (NSPS) typically apply to industrial facilities such as power plants and manufacturing
facilities, but also have been issued for smaller equipment such as wood stoves. Standards are
set for new facilities and for modifications that increase the emission rate of existing
facilities. NSPS often limit criteria pollutants or precursors, but also can apply to other
pollutants, including greenhouse gases.
Rather than specify a technology, these performance standards generally establish a numerical
emission limitation, allowing industry to comply using any method that achieves the required
performance level. EPA is required to set standards that reflect the level of emissions
performance achievable through the best system of emission reduction, considering cost and
other factors that has been adequately demonstrated. Updating of standards is required at least
every eight years.

HOW THE CLEAN AIR ACT REGULATES HAZARDOUS AIR

POLLUTANTS
The 1970 Act had required EPA to regulate hazardous air pollutants (also known as toxic air
pollutants, or air toxics) on a pollutantbypollutant basis, based on risk. In 1990, Congress
rewrote those provisions after EPA in 20 years had managed to regulate only some sources of
seven pollutants.
Rather than having EPA list the substances to be regulated, Congress listed nearly 190 hazardous
air pollutants but gave EPA authority to modify the list if warranted. Congress required EPA to
issue maximum achievable control technology (MACT) emissions standards for all new and
existing major industrial sources of these pollutants, category by category, within 10 years after
enactment of the 1990 amendments. These standards require higheremitting sources to reduce
their emissions to the levels already being achieved by other similar sources.
New source standards are based on the emissions levels achieved by the topperforming similar
source. For existing sources, EPA must set standards that require at least the level of performance
already achieved by the average of the topperforming 12 percent of similar sources. These
provisions are known as the MACT floor. The resulting performance standards give all sources
the flexibility to decide the most costeffective way to comply.
15 | P a g e

Every eight years, EPA must review and, if warranted, update these performance standards, as
well as consider whether more stringent, riskbased standards are required to protect public
health with an ample margin of safety. EPA was required to regulate hazardous air pollutant
emissions from electric utilities if, based on a study of those emissions, the agency found it
appropriate and necessary.
(Final standards were issued in 2012.)
Other provisions required a national urban air toxics strategy including regulation of small area
sources of hazardous air pollutants. EPA was required to list and regulate enough categories of
area sources to ensure that 90 percent of the area source emissions of the 30 pollutants posing the
greatest threat to public health in the largest number of urban areas are subject to
regulation. This provision was designed to reduce elevated health risks from multiple hazardous
pollutants in urban areas. For area sources, EPA can set MACT standards or standards which
provide for the use of generally available control technologies or management practices (GACT)
standards. GACT differs from MACT in that there is no statutory floor requirement that
provides a minimum level of stringency and limits consideration of cost.
Separate provisions required EPA to issue new source performance standards to control
hazardous air pollutant emissions from solid waste incinerators burning municipal, hospital,
medical, and other commercial and industrial waste. Standards similar to MACT were required
for multiple categories of incinerators for specified criteria and hazardous air pollutants. EPA
also was required to issue guidelines for states to control emissions from existing units.
Toxic emissions from motor vehicles are reduced by a variety of motor vehicle and fuels
standards. For example, the reformulated gasoline requirements reduce toxic emissions. EPA
also was required to issue standards for motor vehicles and fuels to limit toxic emissions,
including formaldehyde and benzene. EPA also has adopted additional controls on the amount of
benzene in gasoline. Separate provisions were designed to prevent accidental release of
extremely hazardous air pollutants. EPA was required to issue regulations for prevention and
detection of accidental releases from stationary sources. Risk management plans were required
for facilities that handle more than threshold amounts of a list of extremely hazardous
substances. An independent Chemical Safety and Hazardous Investigation Board was created.

16 | P a g e

HOW THE CLEAN AIR ACT PROTECTS VISIBILITY IN

NATIONAL PARKS
The Prevention of Significant Deterioration preconstruction permit program (described above)
includes requirements to protect park air quality from individual new and modified sources. In
addition, the Act establishes a regional haze program to protect park visibility.

REGIONAL GAZE
The Act sets a national goal of preventing any future, and remedying any existing, impairment of
visibility caused by humancaused air pollution in congressionally designated areas where
visibility is an important value.46 These areas include national parks over 6,000 acres,
wilderness areas and national monuments over 5,000 acres, and international parks, that existed
in August 1977. Examples include the Grand Canyon, Great Smokies, Shenandoah and Yosemite
national parks. States must include regional haze provisions in their state implementation
plans. Each regional haze plan must require best available retrofit technology (BART) for
certain facilities built between 1962 and 1977 that have the potential to emit more than 250 tons
a year of an air pollutant and are reasonably anticipated to cause or contribute to visibility
impairment in one or more Class I areas. These facilities fall into 26 categories, including utility
and industrial boilers, and large industrial plants such as pulp mills, refineries and smelters. In
the case of fossilfuelfired power plants with generating capacity exceeding
750 megawatts, the BART emissions limits must be determined pursuant to EPAs guidelines,
published in 2005.
State haze plans also must include a longterm strategy for making reasonable progress toward
meeting the national goal. Under EPAs implementing regulations, the plans must show
progress over the next 10 years; states are required to revise their haze plans every ten years and
submit the revised plans to EPA for approval. If EPA makes a determination that a state failed to
submit a complete plan, or disapproves the state submission in whole or in part, EPA is required
to issue a federal implementation plan.

HOW THE CLEAN AIR ACT CONTROLS ACID RAIN

The 1990 Amendments called for reducing acid rain which damages aquatic life, acidifies
forest soils, and damages property by controlling utility emissions of sulfur dioxide and
nitrogen oxides, which react to form sulfuric acid and nitric acid.
17 | P a g e

Cap and Trade for Sulfur Dioxide from Power Plants Congress set a goal of reducing annual SO2
emissions by 10 million tons below the 1980 level, mostly from power plants. The law called for
a marketbased emissions trading approach to limit the amount of SO2 emitted by U.S. power
plants. The initial phase, starting in 1995, applied to 111 large, highemitting coalfired power
plants. The second phase, starting in 2000, brought smaller plants and cleaner plants (coal, gas,
and oilfired) into the program.
The trading system provides companies with flexibility on both the means and timing of
reducing their emissions, which enables them to minimize their compliance costs. Under the
trading system, EPA issues emissions allowances to regulated electric generating units. Each
emissions allowance is for one ton of SO2. A company after the end of each year must hold
enough allowances to cover its annual emissions; this requirement is an enforceable Title V
permit term. For each generating unit, an electric power company can comply by reducing
emissions to match its amount of allocated allowances, by purchasing allowances made available
through extra pollution reductions achieved at other units, by using banked (saved) allowances
from previous years, or by a combination of these methods.
For example, a company could choose to reduce SO2 emissions by installing controls, switching
to cleaner burning fuel, or switching some electricity production from dirtier units to cleaner
ones. Because a company can sell unused allowances for profit, the trading system encourages
companies to reduce emissions beyond required levels.
The SO2 trading program has strong provisions to ensure accountability. These include
continuous emissions monitoring, an allowance tracking system operated by EPA, expensive
penalties for noncompliance, and a requirement that excess emissions be offset by extra
reductions the following year.
Allowance incentives were provided to encourage use of fluegas scrubbers, and to promote
energy conservation and renewable energy. Detailed allowance allocation provisions were
included to address regional interests, new units, independent power producers, and special
cases, and auction provisions were included to ensure market liquidity.
Emission Rate Standards for Nitrogen Oxides from Power Plants To cut power plant emissions
of nitrogen oxides, the law called for EPA to set more traditional emission rate standards
designed to result in installation of lowNO x burners.
Companies were allowed to comply based on the average emissions rate of all their covered
units.

18 | P a g e

HOW THE ACT PROVIDES FOR OPERATING PERMITS

The 1990 Amendments required all major pollution sources and certain others to apply for and
operate pursuant to operating permits that assure compliance with all of their Clean Air Act
requirements.65 Operating permits generally are issued by state and local permitting agencies
under EPA approved programs. These programs are required to charge permit fees sufficient to
cover the costs of the permit program. Operating permits are required for major sources and
other sources subject to acid rain control requirements, new source performance standards,
hazardous air pollutant standards, and permitting requirements under Title I of the Act. Permits
are to be issued for a fixed term of up to five years. Each permit must contain enforceable
emissions standards and limitations, a schedule of compliance, and a requirement that the source
submit any required monitoring results every six months or more often.
Permitting authorities may issue general permits covering numerous similar sources. States must
submit permit applications, proposed permits and final permits to EPA for review. Each
permitting authority must give notice of each permit application or proposed permit to nearby
states. EPA has an opportunity to object to the issuance of a state proposed permit that is not
consistent with the Act; if EPA does not object, any person may petition the EPA Administrator
to make such an objection. States must create programs providing technical assistance and other
information to small businesses to help them comply with the Act. An EPA program is to assist
the states.

HOW THE CLEAN AIR ACT RELATES TO STATE CLEAN AIR

LAWS
The Clean Air Act contemplates that states will implement many of its requirements under state
laws and that EPA will review such laws to ensure they are sufficient to satisfy the requirements
of the Act and EPAs implementing regulations. The Act does not restrict states ability to adopt
standards or requirements that are more stringent than federal requirements, except in the mobile
source arena.
The Clean Air Act generally preempts state authority to adopt or enforce emissions standards for
new motor vehicles. Because California was already setting new motor vehicle standards before
the federal government began, the Act requires EPA to waive preemption of California standards
if those standards are in the aggregate at least as protective of public health and welfare as
federal standards, and certain other criteria are met. The Act allows other states to adopt
Californias standards for new vehicles.

19 | P a g e

The Act does not preclude state and local governments from regulating the use, operation or
movement of registered motor vehicles. States are generally preempted from adopting or
enforcing emissions standards for non-road vehicles and engines. As with onroad vehicles and
engines, the law provides for a California waiver for most non road vehicles and engines, but the
waiver is not available for certain new non road engines.
For fuels and fuel additives, state and local governments except the state of California generally
are prohibited from prescribing or enforcing requirements for fuels or fuel additive for emission
control purposes if EPA has regulated the fuel or fuel additive, or if EPA has published a decision
not to regulate it. However, they can adopt requirements identical to EPAs if EPA has issued
requirements for the fuel or fuel additive. Also, the state can regulate a fuel or fuel additive in its
state implementation plan if EPA finds that the state requirement is necessary to achieve the
relevant national ambient air quality standard and other requirements are met that limit the
number of different state fuel requirements.

20 | P a g e

COMPARISION OF INDIAN LAWS WITH THAT OF USA

Let us now compare the prevention and control measure stated in Indian laws to that of USA.
Section 19 of Air Pollution Control Act 1981 which deals with formation of Air pollution control
areas and prohibition of such fuel in Air Pollution Control Areas which may cause or is likely to
cause air pollution in that areas If we compare this provision with that of clean air act of U.S.A ,
Section 171(b) of clean air act which tells about formation of Non-Attainment areas states the
same that is The term nonattainment area means, for any air pollutant, an area which is
designated nonattainment with respect to that pollutant within the meaning of section 107(d).
Section 20 of the Air pollution Control Act states Power to give instructions for ensuring
standards for emission from automobiles. It states that With a view to ensuring that the standards
for emission of air pollutions from automobiles lay down by the State Board under CI. (g) of
sub-section (1) of Sec. 17 are complied with, the State Government shall, in consultation with the
State Board, give such instructions as may be deemed necessary to the concerned authority in
charge of registration of motor vehicles under the Motor Vehicles Act (4 of 1939) and such
authority shall, notwithstanding anything contained in that Act or the rules made there under be
bound to comply with such instructions. Section 202(a) of clean air act states the same that is
The Administrator shall by regulation prescribe (and from time to time revise) in accordance
with the provisions of this section, standards applicable to the emission of any air pollutant from
any class or classes of new motor vehicles or new motor vehicle engines, which in his judgment
cause, or contribute to, air pollution which may reasonably be anticipated to endanger public
health or welfare. Such standards shall be applicable to such vehicles and engines for their useful
life (as determined under subsection (d), relating to useful life of vehicles for purposes of
certification), whether such vehicles and engines are designed as complete systems or
incorporate devices to prevent or control such pollution. Clean air act of U.S.A provide for
further measure which can be taken to ensure standard for emission from an automobile which
are not present in air pollution control act of India. For Instance section 206 provides for Motor
vehicle and motor vehicle engine compliance testing and certification .Section 211 deals with
regulation of fuels. Section 213 provides for Fuel economy improvement from new motor
vehicles. Section 214 provides for Study of particulate emissions from motor vehicles. Section
218 provides for Prohibition on production of engines requiring leaded gasoline. In addition the
clean air act provides for standards for emission for aircrafts. These are some of the measures
which are taken in U.S.A but are not given importance in air pollution control act.
Section 21 of Air pollution control act provides for Restrictions on use of certain industrial plants
and it also state that the previous consent of the State Board is required to establish or operate
any industrial plant in an air pollution control area. It also provides for certain condition which
an industries must comply which are
(i) The control equipment of such specifications as the State Board may approve in this behalf
21 | P a g e

Shall be installed and operated in the premises where the industry in carried on or proposed to
Be carried on:
(ii) The existing control equipment, it any, shall be altered or replaced in accordance with the
Directions of the State Board;
(iii) The control equipment referred to in CI. (i) or CI. (ii) Shall be kept at all times in goods
running conditions;
(iv) Chimney, wherever necessary, of such specifications as the State Board may approve in this
behalf shall be erected or re-erected in such premises;
(v) Such other conditions as the State Board may specify in this behalf; and
(vi) The conditions referred to in CIs.(i), (ii), and (iv) shall be complied with within such period
as the State Board may specify in this behalf:
The clean air act provides for such measure but an additional measure which clean air act
provide for and which are not present in Air pollution control act are Section 183 provides for
federal measure to protect ozone layer and section 185 B provides for NOx and VOC study.
Whereas section 24, section 25, section 26, section 27, section 28 is identical same as given in
clean air act of U.S.A. The most important thing which makes clean air act of U.S.A far better
than air pollution control act of India is that clean air act has given provision related to ozone
hole depletion and acid rain control whereas air pollution control act does not provide any thing
for it . The title IV of Clean air act provides that provision to acid deposition control in order to
protect acid rain. The section 401 of clean air act to section 416 of the same act provide for
measure taken to control acid rain .The measure provided are as follow
The 1990 Amendments called for reducing acid rain which damages aquatic life, acidifies
forest soils, and damages property by controlling utility emissions of sulfur dioxide and
nitrogen oxides, which react to form sulfuric acid and nitric acid.
Cap and Trade for Sulfur Dioxide from Power Plants Congress set a goal of reducing annual SO2
emissions by 10 million tons below the 1980 level, mostly from power plants. The law called for
a marketbased emissions trading approach to limit the amount of SO2 emitted by U.S. power
plants. The initial phase, starting in 1995, applied to 111 large, highemitting coalfired power
plants. The second phase, starting in 2000, brought smaller plants and cleaner plants (coal, gas,
and oilfired) into the program.
The trading system provides companies with flexibility on both the means and timing of
reducing their emissions, which enables them to minimize their compliance costs. Under the
trading system, EPA issues emissions allowances to regulated electric generating units. Each
emissions allowance is for one ton of SO2. A company after the end of each year must hold
enough allowances to cover its annual emissions; this requirement is an enforceable Title V
permit term. For each generating unit, an electric power company can comply by reducing
22 | P a g e

emissions to match its amount of allocated allowances, by purchasing allowances made available
through extra pollution reductions achieved at other units, by using banked (saved) allowances
from previous years, or by a combination of these methods.
For example, a company could choose to reduce SO2 emissions by installing controls, switching
to cleaner burning fuel, or switching some electricity production from dirtier units to cleaner
ones. Because a company can sell unused allowances for profit, the trading system encourages
companies to reduce emissions beyond required levels.
The SO2 trading program has strong provisions to ensure accountability. These include
continuous emissions monitoring, an allowance tracking system operated by EPA, expensive
penalties for noncompliance, and a requirement that excess emissions be offset by extra
reductions the following year.
Allowance incentives were provided to encourage use of fluegas scrubbers, and to promote
energy conservation and renewable energy. Detailed allowance allocation provisions were
included to address regional interests, new units, independent power producers, and special
cases, and auction provisions were included to ensure market liquidity.
Emission Rate Standards for Nitrogen Oxides from Power Plants To cut power plant emissions
of nitrogen oxides, the law called for EPA to set more traditional emission rate standards
designed to result in installation of lowNO x burners.
Companies were allowed to comply based on the average emissions rate of all their covered
units.
Similarly section 601 of clean air act to section 618 provides for measure for protection of ozone
layer. The ozone layer in the stratosphere protects life on earth by filtering out harmful ultraviolet
radiation from the sun. The Act contains a range of provisions to phase out production of
chemicals that harm the ozone layer, and prevent the release of such chemicals already in use.
These provisions implement the Montreal Protocol, the international agreement on ozone layer
Protection, and in some respects go beyond it. The Act requires EPA to phase out production and
import of listed ozonedepleting substances. The bestknown ozonedepleting substances,
chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), have already been phased out. EPA is currently phasing out hydro
chlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs), which are regarded as transitional substitutes for CFCs. Certain
exceptions to the phaseouts are allowed. For example, EPA is authorized to allow limited
production of ozonedepleting substances for export to developing countries.
The Act provides for implementing the phaseouts through the issuance of allowances that can
be traded among companies. International trading is also allowed, subject to certain constraints.
EPA is required to issue regulations that reduce use and emissions of ozonedepleting substances
to the lowest achievable level, and that set requirements for recycling and disposal. The Act
23 | P a g e

prohibits intentional release of ozonedepleting substances used as refrigerants in equipment

including appliances, industrial process refrigeration, and motor vehicle air conditioners.
Mechanics servicing auto air conditioners must be trained and use certified recycling equipment.
Nonessential uses of ozonedepleting substances, such as in noise horns and party streamers, are
banned. Beginning in 2015, products containing or made with HCFCs must be labeled; a
labeling requirement is already in effect for products containing or made with other ozone
depleting substances. EPA is required to issue regulations prohibiting replacement of any ozone
depleting substance with a substitute substance which EPA determines may present adverse
effects to human health or the environment, where EPA has identified an alternative that is
available and poses less risk. EPA is given general authority to issue regulations if a substance or
activity may reasonably be anticipated to affect the stratosphere and to endanger public health or
welfare.
The clean air act of U.S.A has taken care of the problem which can be big problems in futures
whereas these major environment issues has not been paid attention in air pollution control act
India ( 1981).

SOURCES OF POLLTUTION IN MANDIDEEP

24 | P a g e

Mandideep is a Industrial area established in year 1975, is situated near Bhopal, 25 KM away
from state capital of Madhya Pradesh. Mandideep Industrial Area contributes more than 6500
crore of Industrial Production, Rs. 1700 crore of Export and more than 45000 no. of
employment. The major source of pollution in Mandideep as also seen in case of Dr. Subhash
Pandey vs. Union of India are industries and most of the industries as evident from the case does
not comply with Article 21(5) of the THE AIR (PREVENTION AND CONTROL OF
POLLUTION) ACT, 1981 stating Every person to whom consent has been granted by the State
Board under sub-section (4), shall comply with the following conditions, namely (i) the control equipment of such specifications as the State Board may approve in this behalf
shall be installed and operated in the premises where the industry is carried on or proposed to be
carried on;
(ii) The existing control equipment, if any, shall be altered or replaced in accordance with the
directions of the State Board;
(iii) The control equipment referred to in clause (i) or clause (ii) shall be kept at all times in good
running condition;
(iv) chimney, wherever necessary, of such specifications as the State Board may approve in this
behalf shall be erected or re-erected in such premises; .and
(v) Such other conditions as the State Board, may specify in this behalf,
(vi) The conditions referred to in clauses (i), (ii) and (iv) shall be complied with within such
period as the State Board may specify in this behalfProvided that in the case of a person operating any industrial plant 19*** in an air pollution
control area immediately before the date of declaration of such area as an air pollution control
area, the period so specified shall not be less than six months :
Provided further that(a) After the installation of any control equipment in accordance with the specifications under
clause (i), or
(b) After the alteration or replacement of any control equipment in accordance with the directions
of the State Board under clause (ii), or
(c) After the erection or re-erection of any chimney under clause (iv), no control equipment or
chimney shall be altered or replaced or, as the case may be, erected or re-created except with the
previous approval of the State Board.
The different sources of pollution from Industries in Mandideep are as follow:-

25 | P a g e

1) Air pollution system not installed - Air pollution control systems are required in many
industrial facilities due to health and safety regulations enforced by the Environmental
Protection Agency (EPA) as well as State and local agencies. Pollution control exhaust
systems comply with the Clean Air Act (CAA), a federal law that was created in 1970 to
prohibit stationary and mobile air emissions from exuding into the atmosphere. Air
pollution control system types vary from industry to industry, depending on the type of
hazardous agents needing to be eliminated. Because of the corrosive nature in many of
these emissions, corrosion resistant ventilation systems are the standard. Each system is
comprised of numerous components, including mist eliminators, ducts, hoods, exhaust
fans, and fume scrubbers.
2) Fugitive emission was found in process section - Fugitive emissions are emissions of
gases or vapors from pressurized equipment due to leaks and other unintended or
irregular releases of gases, mostly from industrial activities. As well as the economic cost
of lost commodities, fugitive emissions contribute to air pollution and climate change. A
detailed inventory of greenhouse gas emissions from upstream oil and gas activities in
Canada for the year 2000 estimated that fugitive equipment leaks had a global warming
potential equivalent to the release of 17 million metric tons of carbon dioxide, or 12 per
cent of all greenhouse gases emitted by the sector. Venting of natural gas, flaring,
accidental releases and storage losses accounted for an additional 38 per cent.
Fugitive emissions present other risks and hazards. Emissions of volatile organic
compounds such as benzene from oil refineries and chemical plants pose a long term
health risk to workers and local communities. In situations where large amounts of
flammable liquids and gases are contained under pressure, leaks also increase the risk of
fire and explosion. Leaks from pressurized process equipment generally occur through
valves, pipe connections, mechanical seals, or related equipment. Fugitive emissions also
occur at evaporative sources such as waste water treatment ponds and storage tanks.
Because of the huge number of potential leak sources at large industrial facilities and the
difficulties in detecting and repairing some leaks, fugitive emissions can be a significant
proportion of total emissions. Though the quantities of leaked gases may be small, gases
that have serious health or environmental impacts can cause a significant problem.
3) Boiler blow down discharge inside the premises- A boiler or steam generator is a
device used to create steam by applying heat energy to water. Although the
definitions are somewhat flexible, it can be said that older steam generators were
commonly termed boilers and worked at low to medium pressure (1300 psi or
6.8952,068.427 kPa) but, at pressures above this, it is more usual to speak of a
steam generator. Boilers emit a variety of pollutants, including those associated with
combustion processes and HAPs, such as: Nitrogen oxides (NOx), Sulfur dioxide
(SO2), Particle pollution, Carbon monoxide (CO), Formaldehyde, Polynuclear
26 | P a g e

aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), Lead Hydrogen, Chloride (HCl), Cadmium,

.Mercury, Dioxin/furans. This can cause respiratory disease, cardiovascular
problems and depletion of ozone layer.

4) Absence of air monitoring system- Air quality monitoring is carried out to assess the
extent of pollution, ensure compliance with national legislation, evaluate control options,
and provide data for air quality modeling. There are a number of different methods to
measure any given pollutant, varying in complexity, reliability, and detail of data. These
range from simple passive sampling techniques to highly sophisticated remote sensing
devices. A monitoring strategy should carefully examine the options to determine which
methodology is most appropriate, taking into account initial investment costs, operating
costs, reliability of systems, and ease of operation. The locations for monitoring stations
depend on the purpose of the monitoring. Most monitoring networks are designed with
human health objectives in mind, and monitoring stations are therefore established in
population centers. Many governments (local, regional or national) give specific
guidelines on where to monitor within these areas - next to busy roads, in city center
locations, or at a location of particular concern (e.g., a school, hospital). Background
monitoring stations are also established, to act as a "control" when determining source
apportionment. Emissions Measurement is the science of characterizing and measuring
air pollutant emissions. The measurement of both type and quantity of these contaminants
is an important part of obtaining the data needed to implement a meaningful control
program. The process of monitoring particulate and gaseous emissions from a stationary
source is often referred to as source sampling or source testing. Once data are collected
from a monitoring system, they must be stored in data management systems and
databases. Subsequently, the data must be retrieved and analyzed to see what they reveal
about the effectiveness of regulatory standards, the accuracy of modeling, impacts on
health endpoints, and as an overall way of assessing. In the U.S. these data are collected
and housed in the Air Quality Subsystem (AQS). The AQS contains ambient air pollution
data collected by EPA, state, local, and tribal air pollution control agencies from
thousands of monitoring stations. AQS also contains meteorological data, descriptive
information about each monitoring station (including its geographic location and its
operator), and data quality assurance/quality control information.

5) APCD not installed- Stationary sources of air pollution emissions, such as power plants,
steel mills, smelters, cement plants, refineries, and other industrial processes, release
contaminants into the atmosphere as particulates, aerosols, vapors, or gases. These
emissions are typically controlled to high efficiencies using a wide range of air pollution
control devices. The selection of the appropriate control technology is determined by the
27 | P a g e

pollutant collected, the stationary source conditions, and the control efficiency required.
In some cases, pollutant emissions can be reduced significantly through process
modifications and combustion controls. However, in most instances, some form of addon pollution control equipment is installed in the ductwork (or flues) leading to the smoke
stack to meet current allowable emission limits. Common methods for eliminating or
reducing gaseous pollutants include:
destroying pollutants by thermal or catalytic combustion, such as by use of a flare stack, a
high temperature incinerator, or a catalytic combustion reactor;
changing pollutants to less harmful forms through chemical reactions, such as converting
nitrogen oxides (NOx) to nitrogen and water through the addition of ammonia to the flue gas
in front of a selective catalytic reactor; and
collecting pollutants using air pollution control systems before they reach the atmosphere.
The most commonly used devices for controlling particulate emissions include:
Electrostatic precipitators (wet and dry types),
Fabric filters (also called bag houses),
Wet scrubbers, and
Cyclones (or multiclones).

6) Stack monitoring system not working properly- Continuous Emissions Monitoring

Systems (CEMS) are used for the measurement of a number of pollutants from within the
stack environment. Monitoring within the stack presents a number of problems due to
extremes of temperature, velocity of sample and pressure. The common pollutants to
measure are SO2, NO and NO2 whilst it is also used for monitoring CO, CO2, H2S and
NH3.
The other major source of pollution in Mandideep is traffic.
Traffic - Mandideep is a industrial area and a lot of raw material is brought to industries by
number of vehicles and a lot of finished product from different industries are sent to the market
through these vehicles for sale. Due to large number of vehicles moving up and down the city
leads to traffic congestion on the road .Virtually all of these vehicles are powered by
gasoline and diesel engines that burn petroleum to release energy. Petroleum is made up
of hydrocarbons (large molecules built from hydrogen and carbon) and, in theory, burning them
fully with enough oxygen should produce nothing worse than carbon dioxide and water. In
28 | P a g e

practice, fuels aren't pure hydrocarbons and engines don't burn them cleanly. As a result,
exhausts from engines contain all kinds of pollution, notably particulates (soot of various sizes),
carbon monoxide (CO, a poisonous gas), nitrogen oxides (NOx), volatile organic compounds
(VOCs), and leadand indirectly produce ozone. Mix this noxious cocktail together and
energize it with sunlight and you get the sometimes brownish, sometimes bluish fog of pollution
we call smog, which can hang over cities for days on end.

MEASURES TO CONTROL AIR POLLUTION IN MANDIDEEP

The major source of pollution in Mandideep is industries. The measures which can be taken by
industries to reduce air pollution in Mandideep are as follow
1) Minimizing Fugitive Emission - To minimize and control leaks at process facilities
operators carry out regular leak detection and repair activities. Routine inspections of
process equipment with gas detectors can be used to identify leaks and estimate the leak
rate in order to decide on appropriate corrective action. Proper routine maintenance of
equipment reduces the likelihood of leaks. Because of the technical difficulties and costs
of detecting and quantifying actual fugitive emissions at a site or facility, and the
variability and intermittent nature of emission flow rates, bottom-up estimates based on
standard emission factors are generally used for annual reporting purposes. New
technologies are under development that could revolutionize the detection and monitoring
of fugitive emissions. One technology, known as differential absorption lidar (DIAL), can
be used to remotely measure concentration profiles of hydrocarbons in the atmosphere up
to several hundred meters from a facility. DIAL has been used for refinery surveys in
Europe for over 15 years. A pilot study carried out in 2005 using DIAL found that actual
emissions at a refinery were fifteen times higher than those previously reported using the
emission factor approach. The fugitive emissions were equivalent to 0.17% of the
refinery throughput. Portable gas leak imaging cameras are also a new technology that
can be used to improve leak detection and repair, leading to reduced fugitive emissions.
The cameras use infrared imaging technology to produce video images in which invisible
gases escaping from leak sources can be clearly identified.
2) Biofiltration - Biofiltration is the removal and oxidation of organic gases (volatile
organic compounds, or VOCs) from contaminated air by beds of compost or soil
(biofilter media). Billions of indigenous microorganisms inherent within the biofilter
media convert the organic compounds to carbon dioxide and water. These naturally
occurring microorganisms consume the offending compounds in a safe, moist, oxygenrich environment. A biofilter is an engineered bed of soil or compost under which lies a
distribution system of perforated pipe and a layer of coarse distribution media.
29 | P a g e

Contaminated air is blown into the perforated pipes and slowly diffuses up through the
biofilter media. The contaminant molecules flow through the biofilter media like pebbles
in a stream, until they settle out and are consumed by the microorganisms. These same
microorganisms are responsible for the degradation of organics in nature The biofilter
media retains no residue from the original organic compounds found in the contaminated
air stream. This is due to the extremely efficient microbial ecosystem that exists within
the biofilter media. Enhancing and maintaining this rich microbial ecosystem is what
Biofiltration is all about.

3) Improve dispersion - This approach is based on the concept that dilution of air
contaminants before they reach ground will lower the concentrations to which the
population is exposed. The use of this approach for industry is discouraged by the US
EPA.

4) APCD installation- Emissions from processes with control devices must be determined
as part of development of a point source emission inventory. There are many difficulties
in this determination. Single pollutant emissions are, in reality, actually heterogeneous
combinations. All oxides of nitrogen must be reported together as NO2 . Devices control
the individual constituents differently and this may affect the emission rate on a
throughput or time basis. Mechanisms of control for different devices also vary for the
same emission. Different emission control devices may have very different removal
mechanisms. Collection by some types of devices can be characterized by efficiency. The
operating mechanisms of other control devices may cause emissions to approach a
different basis, such as a constant concentration in the cleaned gas. Operation of both
types of devices is affected by dust characteristics, flue gas parameters, unit design,
maintenance and operation in different ways. Particulate control systems are examined as
an example of controlling a heterogeneous emission and control mechanisms of different
devices.

5) Corporate Social Responsibility- Corporate Social Responsibility (abbreviated as CSR),

is a self-regulatory function, through which an organization ensures that it obliges and
abides by the existing laws, ethical standards and international regulations. There are also
times when an organizations CSR model engages in activities that ensure philanthropy
and development of the society as a whole. In recent times, Section 135 and Schedule VII
of the Companies Act, 2013, which dealt with CSR rules for the Companies, came into
effect. According to it, every company, private or public, which either has a net worth of
30 | P a g e

Rs. 500 crore or a turnover of Rs. 1000 crore, or net profit of Rs. 5 crore, needs to spend
at least 2% of its average net profit in CSR activities. These activities should not be
undertaken in the normal course of business, but be with respect to any of the activities
mentioned in the Schedule VII of the Companies Act, 2013.
6) Awareness- The most effective measure to control air pollution is awareness among the
people who lives in Mandideep as well as among the industries owner. The people should
be made aware that if environment is lost we would never be able to recover it. The
industries owner should understand their responsibility towards environment and should
try to reduce their pollution from their industries. The industries owner should comply
with Article 21(5) of the THE AIR (PREVENTION AND CONTROL OF POLLUTION)
ACT, 1981. Beside this industries should also contribute to the environment by the help
of the corporate social responsibility Whereas the people in Mandideep should take some
measures to avoid adding to pollution caused by industries for instance burning of poly
bags etc
The next major sources of pollution in Mandideep are air pollution from traffic congestion on
road as discussed previously. If we can solve the problem of traffic congestion it may ultimately
reduce air pollution by traffic in Mandideep. The various measures that we can take to reduce air
pollution by traffic congestion as also suggested by Urban Administration and Development
Department Government of Madhya Pradesh are as follow:1) Special corridor for trucks: as mentioned in the best practice review, a separate corridor is
recommended so that the trucks, which are used to load and unload the Cargo within the
industrial area, will keep away from the regular traffic, thus making NH12decongested.
2) This would ultimately reduce the number of vehicle passing through the city and
reducing air pollution and in addition the dust caused by the vehicle which carry sand can
be reduced eventually reducing the Air pollution.

3) Special routes are designed to decongest a particular road mostly a highway. In the figure,
various forms of special routes are given, amongst which, looking at the current problem
Mandideep is facing; we would take a bypass as the best recommendation to make traffic
movement smoother. Bypass routes are a type of special route used on an alternative
routing of a highway around a town when the main route of the highway goes through the
town. The original designation of these routes was "truck routes" to divert through truck
traffic away from the town. The Bypass provides better and more direct access to the
commuters who do not want to stop in Mandideep. Hence this will eventually reduce the
number of vehicle passing through the city and would reduce air pollution in the city
from vehicles.

31 | P a g e

WHAT CAN BE DONE TO REDUCE AIR POLLUTION

So now you know the problems, but what's the solution? Here are ten simple things you can do
that will make a difference (however small) to the problem of air pollution.
1. Save energy: Making electricity in conventional power plants generates pollution, so
anything you can do to save energy will help to reduce pollution (and global warming as
well). Switch to low-energy lamps, use a laptop computer instead of a desktop, dry your
clothes outdoors, and heat insulate your home. Just remember this: every bit of energy
you save also saves you money you can spend on something better! If you're not sure
how you're wasting energy, use an electricity monitor to help identify your most
inefficient appliances.
2. Save water when you can: Producing cool, clean water needs huge amounts of energy so
cutting water waste is another good way to save energy and pollution.
3. Cut the car: Sometimes we have to use cars, but often we can get a bus or a train or (for
shorter distances) walk or cycle. Cars are now the biggest source of air pollution in most
urban areas, so traveling some other way through a town or city helps to keep the air
clean. When you have to use your car, drive efficiently to save fuel and money, and cut
pollution. It's particularly important to avoid car use when smog is bad in your city.
4. Cut out garden bonfires: Did you know that a garden bonfire can contain up to 350
times as much of the cancer-causing chemical benzpyrene as cigarette smoke? Having a
bonfire is one of the most selfish things you can do in your local neighborhood. Compost
your garden refuse, bury it, or dispose of it some other way.

32 | P a g e

5. Never burn household waste: If you burn plastic, you release horrible toxic chemicals
into the local environment. Recycle your trash instead.
6. Garden organically: You can tackle virtually all garden pests and diseases in more
environmentally friendly organic ways. Buying organic food is a good option if you can't
grow your own.
7. Cut the chemicals: You dont really need to spray an air freshener to make your home
feel nice. When you fill your room with perfume, but you're also choking it with
chemical pollution. You should open a window instead. You should try cleaning
with microfiber cloths instead of using detergents.
8. Use water-based paints and glues: Avoid the nasty solvents in paints, varnishes,
and wood preservatives. Remember that if anyone's going to suffer from the air pollution
they create, you're first in line.
9. Reduce, reuse, and recycle: Buying new stuff is fun, but reusing old things can be just
as good.
10. Don't smoke: Cigarettes contain an addictive chemical called nicotine that makes you
want to go on smoking them. They cause all kinds of health problems, but they also cause
very localized air pollution.

33 | P a g e

CONCLUSION
Air Pollution is the introduction of particulates, biological molecules, or other harmful materials
into the Earth's atmosphere, possibly causing disease, death to humans, damage to other living
organisms such as food crops, or the natural or built environment. The atmosphere is a complex
natural gaseous system that is essential to support life on planet Earth. Stratospheric ozone
depletion due to air pollution has been recognized as a threat to human health as well as to the
Earth's ecosystems.
Mandideep, being an industrial area, has a number of industries ranging from small to large scale
industries as a result of which, it is highly polluted due to the various toxic chemical gases
emitted from the chimneys. With a residential area nearby, it is having adverse effects on the
health of the residents. The industries there ought to realize their social responsibility and also
there responsibility towards the environment by using eco-friendly methods and restricting
pollution to the prescribed limit. Also, non-installation of the APCDs, poses a great threat
towards the environment.
The problems are diverse and some are only being recognized but it is important to keep a close
control over pollutants so that we can maintain the environment in an acceptable condition for
future generations. We need to take pollution issue seriously because ignorance is certainly not
the proper way to go. The stakes are really high and world needs to wake up and start acting right
now because environmental issues are constantly growing in both number and size.

34 | P a g e