Pollution in Delhi

There is a government body called Delhi Pollutionas per Yamuna Action Plan. Everyday about 1880 mld
control committee existing in Delhi called DPCCof waste water is discharge into the river from Delhi
basically established for controlling pollution in thisthrough 18 drains. More than 95% waster water in
national capital region (DELHI). I being an environmentDelhi is drained by 5 drains viz. Nazafgarh, Sen Nursing
friendly citizen applied for a unit in prime industrial areahome, and power house drain.
of New Delhi only after installing and successfully18)The 48 km stretch of the Yamuna River in Delhi is
running the required systems for controlling pollutionheavily polluted by domestic and industrial wastewater.
and treatment of Water.19)Chemical contamination will lead to the spread of
Inspite of giving all possible proofs to the departmentmany lethal diseases like cancer in the near future.
they made our consent application a big issue and20)There are 28 industrial areas in Delhi. Most of the
keep on demanding huge amount of money from ussmall and tiny industries do not have individual facilities
which due to no other option we keet on giving themto treat liquid waste.
the amount whenever demanded from them. Since I21)The alarming rise in chemical pollution last year too
had refused them bribe when they had their first visitand consumption by humans is likely to cause a
after the application, they were exploiting us all thenumber of diseases. This process is never checked
time. In the mean time they were providing consents todue to money and favour collection by Delhi Pollution
the people which were not having systems forControl Committe all the time they visit polluted
controlling pollution installed at their polluting units at aindustries. It is well-known that cadmium contamination
nominal bribe of 12000 This procedure of providingcauses anaemia, high blood pressure, liver trouble and
consent to operate polluting manufacturing units afterhepatic and renal disorders. Nickel causes pneumonia,
getting bribe and not installing pollution control measureslung and nose cancer, headache nausea and vomiting.
is till today\'s date ie.27-06-2008 is kept on followed. ILead may cause gastric problems, kidney diseases
complained this matter to CVC (Central Vigilanceand nervous disorders. Zinc is toxic to plants.
Commission ) and CBI but of no use.22)The air pollution has increased in these years also.
The member secretary Mrs. Naini Jayaseelan whose23)Children have narrower airways than do adults.
office is in secretariat building was continuously abusingThus, irritation or inflammation caused by air pollution
me with words I have never heard. She even wasthat would produce only a slight response in an adult
torturing me of what kind of science graduation I havecan result in a potentially significant obstruction of the
attained in front of excise commissioner and thenairways in a young child. During exercise, children, like
deputy commissioner of DPCC Mrs. Debashreeadults, breathe with both their nose and mouth rather
Mukherjee. She was agreeing sometimes and abusingthan just their noses. When the nose is bypassed
me and my family other time.during the breathing process, the filtering effects of the
1)I had applied for a consent only when I hadnose are lost, therefore allowing more air pollution to be
successfully treated water continuously for two yearsinhaled.
in Gagan Enterprises.24)Sulfur dioxide not only has a bad odor, it can irritate
2)At the time of installation of the treatment plant ,the respiratory system. Exposure to high
DPCC was not playing any active role in Delhi.concentrations for short periods of time can constrict
3)When I submitted my application form they tried tothe bronchi and increase mucous flow, making
grammatically figure out mistakes in that because atbreathing difficult. Children, the elderly, those with
that time also they were receiving bribes from pollutingchronic lung disease, and asthmatics are especially
units.susceptible to these effects. Sulfur dioxide can also:
4)Even now there is no need to give you any mediaImmediately irritate the lung and throat at
briefs for the kind and level of pollution in Riverconcentrations greater than 6 parts per million (ppm) in
Yamuna.many people.
5)There are unlimited number of manufacturing unitsImpair the respiratory system\'s defenses against
draining immense amount of UNTREATED water inforeign particles and bacteria, when exposed to
Yamuna existing in Delhi.concentrations less than 6 ppm for longer time periods.
6)Delhi face the threat of becoming a desert in theApparently enhance the harmful effects of ozone.
near future.(Combinations of the two gases at concentrations
7)Ground water is being contaminated by toxicoccasionally found in the ambient air appear to
elements released by industrial untreated discharge.increase airway resistance to breathing.) Sulfur dioxide
The disposal of industrial effluents into the Yamunatends to have more toxic effects when acidic
flood plain and water channels around Delhi, seepagepollutants, liquid or solid aerosols, and particulates are
through sewage dumps, agricultural waste, percolationalso present. (In the 1950s and 1960s, thousands of
of liquid wastes and general bad hygiene habits andexcess deaths occurred in areas where SO2
poor sanitation provisions has led to this pollution.concentrations exceeded 1 ppm for a few days and
8)Two decades ago Yamuna was a river, but whatother pollutants were also high.) Effects are more
remains of it now is a sluggish flow laden with plastic,pronounced among mouth breathers, e.g., people who
solid waste, untreated industrial water and corpses.are exercising or who have head colds. These effects
9)Japan Bank for International Co-operation extendedinclude: Health problems, such as episodes of bronchitis
a soft loan of Rs.700 crore for treating Yamuna. Butrequiring hospitalization associated with lower-level acid
due to collection of bribes by the DPCC officialsconcentrations. Self-reported respiratory conditions,
proprietors of industrial units are allowed to flushsuch as chronic cough and difficult breathing,
untreated water into sewer.associated with acid aerosol concentrations.
10)The biochemical oxygen demand(BOD),dissolved(Asthmatic individuals are especially susceptible to
oxygen(DO) and colon bacillus colonies-three mainthese effects. The elderly and those with chronic
parameters to gauge water quality-have worsenedrespiratory conditions may also be affected at lower
due to increasing corruption.concentrations than the general population.) Increased
11)The courts are only concerned about removingrespiratory tract infections, associated with longer term,
encroachments and unauthorized colonies wholower-level exposures to SO2 and acid aerosols.
discharge organic wastes.Subjective symptoms, such as headaches and
The untreated inorganic industrial effluents obviouslynausea, in the absence of pathological abnormalities,
make way into the river even if discharged bydue to long-term exposure. Effects on Plants Sulfur
automatic machines or labours working in factoriesdioxide easily injures many plant species and varieties,
because industries are sources of huge bribe collectionboth native and cultivated. Some of the most sensitive
which fill pockets of Naini Jayaseelan also. This criteriaplants include various commercially valuable pines,
is not dependent on the place of residence oflegumes, red and black oaks, white ash, alfalfa and
workers.blackberry. The effects include: Visible injury to the
12)There is widespread pollution of Delhi\'s undergroundmost sensitive plants at exposures as low as 0.12 ppm
water system due to excessive seepage of toxicfor 8 hours.
chemicals like arsenic, mercury and fluorides. This is notVisible injury to many other plant types of intermediate
surprising when 19 industrial drains empty into thesensitivity at exposures of 0.30 ppm for 8 hours.
Yamuna flood plain alone.Positive benefits from low levels, in a very few
13)The pollutants that have affected the environmentspecies growing on sulfur deficient soils. Other Effects
due to this uncontrolled seepage are nitrates,Increases in sulfur dioxide concentrations accelerate
potassium, phosphates and heavy metals like cadmium,the corrosion of metals, probably through the formation
chromium, copper, iron, nickel, lead and zinc.of acids. (SO2 is a major precursor to acidic
14)People can be exposed to chromium throughdeposition.) Sulfur oxides may also damage stone and
breathing, eating or drinking and through skin contactmasonry, paint, various fibers, paper, leather, and
with chromium or chromium compounds. The level ofelectrical components. Increased SO2 also contributes
chromium in air and water is generally low. In drinkingto impaired visibility. Particulate sulfate, much of which is
water the level of chromium is usually low as well, butderived from sulfur dioxide emissions, is a major
contaminated well water may contain the dangerouscomponent of the complex total suspended particulate
chromium(IV); hexavalent chromium.mixture.
For most people eating food that contains chromium(III)25)Diesel cars in 2006 represent nearly 20% of new
is the main route of chromium uptake, as chromium(III)car registrations in Delhi, up from 4% in 1999. While
occurs naturally in many vegetables, fruits, meats,gasoline cars have increased at 8.5% annually, diesel
yeasts and grains. Various ways of food preparationcars have maintained a growth rate of 16.6%. It is
and storage may alter the chromium contents of food.shocking to note that diesel cars during the same
When food in stores in steel tanks or cans chromiumperiod have increased by 425 per cent.
concentrations may rise. Chromium(III) is an essentialThe share of diesel cars, a mere 4 per cent of the
nutrient for humans and shortages may cause hearttotal new car registration in 1999, has climbed to nearly
conditions, disruptions of metabolisms and diabetes. But20 per cent in 2006. While petrol cars have increased
the uptake of too much chromium(III) can cause healthat 8.5 per cent annually, diesel cars have maintained a
effects as well, for instance skin rashes. Chromium(VI)growth rate of 16.6 per annum,\" the release added
is a danger to human health, mainly for people whoThe cumulative effect is overwhelming the emissions
work in the steel and textile industry. People whobenefits gained by the city\'s earlier phase-out of its
smoke tobacco also have a higher chance of12,000 diesel buses. It is calculated that the 118,631
exposure to chromium. Chromium(VI) is known todiesel cars on the city\'s roads are equivalent to adding
cause various health effects. When it is a compound inparticulate emissions from nearly 30,000 diesel buses.
leather products, it can cause allergic reactions, suchNOx levels are steadily rising.
as skin rash. After breathing it in chromium(VI) can26)Nine of every twenty residents suffer from lung,
cause nose irritations and nosebleeds.liver or genetic disorders due to highly-polluted air in the
Other health problems that are caused bycapital city of 16 million. It has been found that polluted
chromium(VI) are: Skin rashes Upset stomachs andair has also altered immunity and caused blood-related
ulcers Respiratory problems Weakened immuneabnormalities among many of the victims. Permissible
systems Kidney and liver damage Alteration of geneticlimits suitable for drinking water is as follows: (mg/l) Cu
material Lung cancer Death The health hazards0.05 Fe 0.1 NO3 45 F 1.0 Zn 0.05 SO4 200 Ca 75 Mg
associated with exposure to chromium are dependent30 Mn 200 Hg 0.01 Cd 0.005 As 0.05 Pb 0.01 Cr 0.05 Ni
on its oxidation state. The metal form (chromium as it0.02 Hardness 2mg/l pH 7-8.5 Delhi's drinking water
exists in this product) is of low toxicity. The hexavalenthas the levels of manganese, copper, nickel, chromium,
form is toxic. Adverse effects of the hexavalent formiron selenium, lead, arsenic, mercury and cadmium
on the skin may include ulcerations, dermatitis, andhighly above the Indian Standards (IS) specification
allergic skin reactions. Inhalation of hexavalentregulated for drinking water thereby more increasing
chromium compounds can result in ulceration andpollution in Delhi.
perforation of the mucous membranes of the nasal27)There is serious problems with the extremely poor
septum, irritation of the pharynx and larynx, asthmaticmonitoring capacities of government agencies
bronchitis, bronchospasms and Respiratory symptomsbecause they collect bribe and so give wrong data
may include coughing and wheezing, shortness ofwhich is broadly indicative.
breath, and nasal itch.28)The way the government, the courts and Mrs. Naini
15)Nickel is not known to cause any health problemsJayaseelan are proceeding, it is clear that the intention
when people are exposed to it at levels above theis not to fight pollution.
MCL for relatively short periods of time. Nickel has the29) I had closed Gagan Enterprises in April 2004 itself.
potential to cause the following effects from a lifetime30)DPCC and any environment groups in India only
exposure at levels above the MCL: decreased bodywant media attention and no more devoted towards
weight; heart and liver damage; skin irritation.controlling pollution and not forcibly closing polluting units
16)Exposure occurs from lead\'s presence in air, food,even today.
water, soil, dustfall, paint, and other materials. Lead is31)If I was right in controlling pollution then the reasons
readily absorbed by the body via the primary routes offor my application were also righteous, this means I
entry, inhalation and ingestion. Studies indicate that 10%was tortured. If I was wrong in the decision for
to 20% of inhaled lead enters the blood stream. Inapplication, this means DPCC is not acting even today,
children, approximately 50% of ingested lead isbecause consents are being provided to polluting units
absorbed as compared to 8% to 10% for adults. Thisin New Delhi after getting bribes, Then also Human
is especially significant since much of children\'s leadRight Commission should pay at least some attention
exposure is caused by their normal habits of mouthingto my complaint and do whatever is suitable to the
dirty hands, objects and materials.greatest authority in this earth, to become true to your
(A growing body of research suggests there may belord.
no safe level of lead ingestion.) Within the body, lead is32)There is a difference between long term remedies
found in circulating red blood cells, soft tissues(liver andand short temporary measures for controlling pollution.
kidney), and bone (where lead is accumulated). Blood33)DPCC is not following any of the above
lead concentrations are the most reliable indicator ofprocedures because they are able to gather bribe
recent lead exposure. Known health effects of leadfrom polluting units which thereby flourish more and
poisoning include: Anemia. Brain and nervous systemthus polluting more, I being surviving in the same
damage, which can include permanent mental andsystem along with maintain huge expenses for pollution
motor retardation and in extreme cases, death.control devices also giving bribes.
Severe kidney injury or failure. Injury to the34)The products manufactured in delhi are consumed
gastrointestinal system and the heart.in other states also.
Damage to the reproductive system, including: Ovarian35)The eligibility or intention of owner of any unit is the
and testicular dysfunction. Impaired fetal bloodonly criteria which is responsible for the methods that
synthesis, premature births, and other deliverycompany employ in controlling pollution.
complications. Long-term, low level lead exposure36)This factor is not dependent on geographic location
causes learning deficits and behavioral problems inof the polluting unit. Simply relocating industries means
children. The major source to children is throughrelocating pollution from the backyard of Delhi\'s elite to
contact with the dust or chips from old lead-containingwherever human life can be found to be cheaper
paint. However, significant airborne exposure may37) My first claim is that inspite of relocating the
occur near manufacturing facilities emitting largepolluting units, there should be ban on individuals to open
amounts of lead. At present, a child with blood leadany manufacturing unit whether polluting or not; in any
levels over 10 micrograms per deciliter (µg/dl) isarea. If ohchr is ready to send me details of proofs
considered lead-poisoned. Exposure to air containing 1required to show and prove my complaints i can send
µg/m3 of lead is associated with a 5 µg/dl increasethat through any medium and also through courier.
in blood lead; thus, long-term exposure to air containing38)As I had already mentioned due to the torture
over 2 µg/m3 could cause a child to becomefaced by me when I was operating an industry in
lead-poisoned. Recent studies suggest that lead maywhich all the pollution control measures were installed
be a factor in high blood pressure and subsequentand successfully being used continuously for treatment
heart disease in middle-aged white males. Effects onand purification of water and air; for not giving bribe too
Plants and Animals At common low ambientoften, I had to face more hassles and torture, I closed
concentrations lead does not usually pose a threat tothat unit in march 2004
plants and animals. However, exposure to high39)Now i have opened an Electronic Goods
concentrations has adversely affected domesticshowroom in September 2004
animals, wildlife, and aquatic life. Areas near major40)For no reason DDA officials visited this premises
emission sources are most susceptible. In past years,and told me that we are there to encourage
small animals trapped near highways showed high leadyoungsters and we don't require small amount of bribe.
levels.41)Since they don't use the exact words to demand
Water is polluted with zinc, due to the presence ofmoney and talk like demanding gifts which is much a
large quantities of zinc in the wastewater of industrialcommon way of harassing and collecting bribe in Delhi,
plants. This wastewater is not purified satisfactory.and also I was in no mood to give bribe because of
One of the consequences is that rivers are depositingfewer resources and also less daily expenditure
zinc-polluted sludge on their banks. Zinc may alsomoney I can utilize at any moment of time.
increase the acidity of waters. Some fish can42)They(A government organization) are again ready
accumulate zinc in their bodies, when they live into exploit me and my family by demanding more and
zinc-contaminated waterways. When zinc enters themore money.
bodies of these fish it is able to bio magnify up the43)IF GOVERNMENT AGENCIES DON\'T HAVE
food chain. Large quantities of zinc can be found inENOUGH LAWS TO PUNISH AND FINE ANYONE
soils. When the soils of farmland are polluted with zinc,WORKING IN THIS CITY,THEY CANT
animals will absorb concentrations that are damagingDISCOURAGE AND HARASS THEM BY SENDING
to their health. Water-soluble zinc that is located in soilsINAPPROPRIATE AND INCOMPLETE NOTICES
can contaminate groundwater. Zinc cannot only be aTHAT CANNOT BE IMPONDED ON THEM, JUST
threat to cattle, but also to plant species. Plants oftenBECAUSE THEY NEED MORE BRIBE.
have a zinc uptake that their systems cannot handle,44)I am explaining below three more(3 i had already
due to the accumulation of zinc in soils. On zinc-richexplained) of domestic remedies i have tried to exploit
soils only a limited number of plants has a chance ofas advised by you. 1)Government of Delhi Grievance
survival. That is why there is not much plant diversityCell Complaint No. CMO/PGC/2006/515174 2)Supreme
near zinc-disposing factories. Due to the effects uponCourt Of India Reference No. 1056(Civil Appeal)
plants zinc is a serious threat to the productions ofdt.12-03-2006 3)Hard Copy submitted To Political
farmlands. Despite of this zinc-containing manures aresecretary Of Mrs.Sonia Gandhi Mr.Motilal Vohra (Home
still applied. Finally, zinc can interrupt the activity in soils,Ministry Of India Office) 10 Race Course New Delhi-01
as it negatively influences the activity of35)
microorganisms and earthworms. The breakdown of45)I am sending you more proof to place my complaint
organic matter may seriously slow down because ofbut my demand is another reply in the form of e mail. I
this.have just given one of the examples of domestic
17) Around 1393 mld of sewerage finds its way intoremedies which I had already exhausted before
river Yamuna through 19 major drains. Out falling intocomplaining to human rights commission Thus I am in
the river carrying 218 mls which includes 48 mgd ofno intention to repeat this kind of procedures of
industrial effluent.domestic remedies because they are of no use in the
BOD content of this water is 587 mld in all the 5kind of society, system we are surviving in India.
sewerage zones of Delhi. 64% of total BOD is fromThe level of ethics and commitment is almost nil in all
domestic sources. 10-15% of nutrients added to thegovernment employees of India. I am no longer able to
soils through fertilizers eventually find their surfacecontinue to survive remembering that torture and
water system. The highest load occurs from the NCThumiliation. Gagan Deep Maggo Reference G/SO 215/1
Delhi (about 152 MT/day of BOD load) as comparedhuman rights commission.
to the loads of other cities which vary from 1 mt/day)