Environment and Ecology Research Vol. 10(4), pp. 427 - 436
DOI: 10.13189/eer.2022.100401
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An Assessment of Environmental Pollution and Policy Initiatives in Punjab, India: A Review

Hardeep Kaur ^1,*, Manvendra Singh ^2
1 Department of Political Science, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara, Punjab, India
² Department of Government and Public Administration, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara, Punjab, India

ABSTRACT

Environmental pollution is a global health concern. Air, water, and soil pollution cause 16% of premature deaths worldwide. Rapid urbanization and industrialization result in the environmental pollution in developing countries, including India. Environmental degradation is a grave issue in developing countries due to a lack of awareness, inadequate legislation and faulty enforcement. This research is mainly concerned with the issue of environmental pollution and various policy initiatives undertaken by the Punjab state of India. Punjab is a predominantly agrarian state. Anthropogenic activities such as burning fossil fuels, stubble burning, excessive chemical fertilizer and industrial waste are significant contributors to environmental pollution in Punjab. This study explores the causes and effects of environmental pollution in Punjab. It is exploratory, and secondary data used in this research were collected from newspapers, e-journal articles, reliable internet sources, government reports, "Punjab Pollution Control Board", and "Central Pollution Control Board" websites. Despite environmental legislation, findings revealed an alarming upsurge in Punjab's pollution levels, leading to air, water, and soil quality degradation. It causes serious health issues. Malwa region is identified as the "Cancer capital of Punjab" due to the shocking surge in cancer cases. It concludes with measures to control environmental pollution. It recommends a crucial need for a comprehensive awareness program and the proper implementation of policies to curb the harmful effects of pollution in Punjab, India.

KEYWORDS
Environment Pollution, Stubble Burning, Measures, Air Quality Index, Punjab

Cite This Paper in IEEE or APA Citation Styles
(a). IEEE Format:
[1] Hardeep Kaur , Manvendra Singh , "An Assessment of Environmental Pollution and Policy Initiatives in Punjab, India: A Review," Environment and Ecology Research, Vol. 10, No. 4, pp. 427 - 436, 2022. DOI: 10.13189/eer.2022.100401.

(b). APA Format:
Hardeep Kaur , Manvendra Singh (2022). An Assessment of Environmental Pollution and Policy Initiatives in Punjab, India: A Review. Environment and Ecology Research, 10(4), 427 - 436. DOI: 10.13189/eer.2022.100401.