ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES AND WAYS TO CREATE AWARENESS AMONG PEOPLE IN THANE CITY

Locations of Thane Lakes Water is one of the basic building blocks of life. Changes in physical, chemical and biological characteristics of water – i.e. water pollution – can cause harmful effects on living organisms. The water quality for Thane city was monitored for various types of water bodies viz. creek, lake, nallah and ground water.

Impacts Water pollution The consumption of polluted water Contamination of water (surface and ground) Water pollution affects plants and organisms living in these bodies of water; in almost all cases, the effect is damaging not just to individual species and populations, but also to entire natural biological ecosystems. The consumption of polluted water also affects human health. Contamination of water (surface and ground) may take place due to various reasons such as discharge of untreated sewage, discharge of industrial effluent, solid waste dumping etc.

Water Quality Monitoring lakes, creeks, nallahs are currently being tested for water quality. However, it is suggested that the parameters being monitored should follow the parameters specified in the standards as per designated water use to enable true assessment of the system.

Comparison of BOD with standards for Thane lake

Past Initiatives by TMC Lake Restoration Project Creek Conservation Low‐Cost Sanitation Project Immersion of Ganesh Idols in Lakes TMC has initiated the program of development of social infrastructure for the city by invoking Public‐Private‐Partnership instruments. Lake restoration project : in the past, TMC initiated the Lakes Restoration Project under the National Lake Conservation Program. In 2002 alone, work was initiated to revive 10 lakes using bioremediation technology under this program. Since then, every year TMC has continued to revive new lakes using their own funds. Details of some of these projects are provided in this sub‐section. Creek Conservation: Creek Conservation Program included the following activities: Removal of debris by dredging at Saket bridge (Thane and Kalwa sides) was done on a priority basis. About 10,628 m3 of debris was removed from these locations. In order to reduce pollution levels along the creek stretch near the Gaimukh dumping site, TMC constructed soak pits to reduce leachate percolation into the creek. It sprayed bio‐sanitizer enzymes to tackle bad odors and also initiated plantation along this stretch. About one lakh trees were planted. Debris removal and plantation were also carried out at Mahagiri Koliwada Low‐Cost Sanitation Project The low‐cost sanitation project includes construction of community and individual latrines Immersion of ganesh idol: TMC implemented a project for eco‐friendly Ganesh idol immersion this year. It embarked upon a novel idea of creating an artificial immersion pond within the lake itself. About 60,000 Ganesh idols are immersed in local water bodies every year. On an average, an idol is eight to ten inches tall and weighs 250 gm.

Actions Design and construction of sewers in areas not covered by underground sewerage through centralized and decentralized options Treatment and disposal facility for waste

Conti.. Clean‐up of city nallahs: Protection of mangroves within TMC’s jurisdiction through regular monitoring/ patrolling along the creek and ecological restoration of degraded mangroves: Provision of public sanitation facilities in slum areas (including their maintenance) Improvement in Environmental Monitoring Program for water quality

Air Pollution Air quality mainly gets affected due to industrial activities, vehicular movements and construction activities. Major pollutants produced by human activities are : Sulfur Oxides Ammonia Chlorofluorocarbons Nitrogen Oxides Carbon Monoxide It is estimated that some 7 million premature deaths may be attributed to air pollution. India has the highest death rate due to air pollution.

Impact of air pollution Air pollution can cause severe problems like : Cardiovascular disease Lung disease Cancer Cystic fibrosis High level of RSPM (Respirable Suspended Particulate Matter) Also there is no buffer between industrial estates and residential areas in Balkum and Kolshet. Increase in the number of people with heart or lung diseases and asthma. Children and older adults are the most likely to be affected by RSPM exposure. Negative impact on climate change.

Air pollution index

Awareness & ways to prevent air pollution Planting trees Carpooling Use bicycle for short distances Cutting down on the use of our automobiles, or by using hybrid cars Maintenance of Chimneys Recycle Reduce and Reuse

Noise Pollution Noise is generally said as an unwanted sound, or sound which produces unpleasant effects and discomfort on the ears. when such noise in the environment becomes unbearable it is termed as noise pollution. Sound becomes undesirable when it disturbs the normal activities such as working, sleeping, and during conversations. It is an underrated environmental problem because of the fact that we can’t see, smell, or taste it. World Health Organization stated that “Noise must be recognized as a major threat to human well-being”

Sources of Noise Pollution Transportation systems Construction of buildings, highways, and streets Industrial noise Loud speakers, plumbing, boilers, generators, air conditioners, fans, and vacuum cleaners add to the existing noise pollution CPCB Noise Standards

Issues Related to Noise Pollution Hearing Problems Health Issues Sleeping Disorders Cardiovascular Issues Trouble Communicating Effect on Wildlife Sound Monitoring in Thane city Places , Feb 2014

Sound levels recorded at various Visarjan locations in 2013 Ambient Noise Monitoring Observations at Silent Zone Locations

Land Pollution Land pollution is the deterioration (destruction) of the earth’s land surfaces, often directly or indirectly as a result of man’s activities and their misuse of land resources. It occurs when waste is not disposed off properly, or can occur when humans throw chemicals unto the soil in the form of pesticides, insecticides and fertilizers during agricultural practices. Exploitation of minerals (mining activities) has also contributed to the destruction of the earth’s surface.

Sources of land pollution Population growth: due to migration of people Mumbai and other city and fast residential development . Industrialization: due to change in classification of industrial area in TMC to zone I, the change in zone to residential area resulted in high rise towers for commercial developments. Construction: many projects of big players from Mumbai have invested in land for development such as rustumjee, hiranandani ,lodha . The booming IT and BPO sector has also boosted the real estate industry

Creating Awareness It has to start at home Educate and practice Reduce, Reuse and Recycle – the three R’s Make each community as self-supporting as possible. Planting saplings of trees; every tree cut for development projects must be replaced by planting at least 50-100 saplings.

Targeted Efforts Local Outreach targeted to specific groups or populations Showing people how much money they could save. Local Outreach Make it one of the top priority of the government government organization or non-governmental organization (NGO) educate the people. Participation by government at international level Adopting the action plan in government policies

The Media Classroom Education Promoting the idea through stories as ads on TV and radio. Awards, recognition and incentives for industrial set ups at green sites, and those who take initiatives for environment protection. issuing printed press releases, or setting up online databases that can be used as information Classroom Education It should be taught to all children from primary to middle class as core subject. There should be awards and recognition for children who show good work in this regard.

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