Acknowledgement
I sincerely express my gratitude to my teacher for guiding me in completing this project titled "Local
Environmental Issues: Kanpur and The Ganga River." I am also thankful to my classmates for their
encouragement and cooperation. Through this project, I gained knowledge about the alarming
environmental problems in my own city and the nearby Ganga river, and about the steps we can
take to solve these problems. This project has enhanced my understanding of air pollution, water
pollution, solid waste mismanagement, and noise pollution, and their impacts on human health and
the environment.
Index
1. Introduction
2. Literature Review
3. Methodology
4. Results & Discussion
5. Conclusion
6. Bibliography
Introduction
Environmental pollution has emerged as one of the most serious problems of the modern era. Rapid
industrialization, urbanization, and population growth have resulted in excessive exploitation of
natural resources and unplanned development. This has caused air, water, soil, and noise pollution
that threaten human life and ecosystems.
Kanpur, an important industrial city of Uttar Pradesh, faces serious environmental issues. The
Ganga river, which flows near the city and is considered holy by millions of Indians, is among the
most polluted rivers in the world.
This project focuses on identifying the local environmental issues of Kanpur and the Ganga river.
The key issues investigated are:
- Air pollution in Kanpur
- Water pollution in the Ganga river
- Solid waste management in Kanpur
- Noise pollution in urban areas
The aim of this study is to understand:
- The main causes of these issues
- Their impact on human health and nature
- Possible solutions to mitigate these problems.
Literature Review - Air Pollution in Kanpur
Kanpur ranks among the most polluted cities in India, and sometimes in the world. The World Health
Organization (WHO) reported that the average PM2.5 level in Kanpur was 173 µg/m³, more than 17
times higher than the recommended safe limit. During winter months, due to fog and temperature
inversion, pollution levels rise even higher.
Major sources include industrial emissions, vehicular emissions, burning of agricultural waste, diesel
generators, and construction dust. Effects include increased respiratory illnesses, eye irritation, and
reduced visibility.
Literature Review - Water Pollution in Ganga River
The Ganga river is heavily polluted near Kanpur due to untreated sewage, industrial effluents, and
solid waste. Tanneries in the Jajmau area release toxic chemicals such as chromium. Water tests
show high BOD, COD, and harmful bacteria.
Effects include waterborne diseases, death of fish, and unsafe water for irrigation and drinking.
Literature Review - Solid Waste Management
Kanpur produces around 1,500 tonnes of solid waste daily, most of which is dumped in open areas
or burnt. Problems include lack of segregation, mixing of hazardous and household waste, and lack
of modern facilities. Effects are groundwater contamination, spread of diseases, and air pollution.
Literature Review - Noise Pollution
Noise levels in Kanpur exceed permissible limits. Sources include traffic, loudspeakers,
construction, and industries. Effects include hearing loss, stress, sleep disturbance, and reduced
productivity.
Methodology
The project was carried out through:
- Air quality monitoring with portable monitors
- Water sampling and testing at multiple river points
- Solid waste site visits and surveys
- Noise level measurement at key locations
Results & Discussion - Air Pollution
PM2.5 and PM10 levels exceeded safe limits. Winter months were worse. Suggested solutions:
cleaner fuels, public transport, and tree plantation.
Results & Discussion - Water Pollution
Water was alkaline with high BOD, COD, chromium, and bacteria. Suggested solutions: upgrade
sewage treatment, enforce laws, and community cleaning programs.
Results & Discussion - Solid Waste
Waste was dumped and burnt openly. Suggested solutions: segregation, recycling, and scientific
landfills.
Results & Discussion - Noise Pollution
Noise exceeded 75 dB even in silence zones. Suggested solutions: regulate honking, machinery
silencers, and awareness.
Conclusion
This project shows that Kanpur and the Ganga river face severe environmental challenges.
However, with strict law enforcement, clean technology, and citizen participation, these problems
can be solved to ensure a sustainable future.
Bibliography
- WHO Air Quality Report (2018)
- CPCB Reports
- Times of India articles (2022-2023)
- ResearchGate studies
- Field Surveys & EPA India guidelines
