Environmental Standards in India and Global Context

After the Second World War, rapid population growth and industrial development caused extensive environmental degradation worldwide. Issues such as deforestation, air, water, and soil pollution, ozone depletion, species extinction, and global warming intensified, compounded by increasing plastic waste and excess use of fertilizers and pesticides. Environmental standards in India and globally are critical for restoring ecological balance, ensuring sustainable development, and aiding students in understanding pollution control mechanisms for academic and competitive exam purposes.

Environmental Standards in India and Global Context: Definition, Classification, and Importance for Ecological Management

Environmental standards serve as regulatory benchmarks to control pollution levels and maintain ecological stability.
These standards define permissible limits of pollutants in air, water, and soil, ensuring both human health protection and environmental conservation. They vary across countries and regions, reflecting local ecosystems and industrial activities.
- (i) Governments and regulatory agencies establish standards as numerical limits for pollutants.
- (ii) Standards are applied per unit of production, energy consumption, or discharge time.
- (iii) Enforcement ensures compliance with emission, ambient, and effluent norms.
- (iv) Failure to meet standards leads to non-attainment area classification, triggering corrective actions.
Definition of Environmental Standards

Environmental standards represent maximum allowable concentrations of harmful pollutants released into the environment. Their purpose is to maintain health and environmental quality while preventing long-term ecological damage.
- Purpose and Application of Environmental Standards
  
  Standards regulate pollutants in land, water, and air by defining acceptable emission/discharge levels, adjusted to regional conditions and industrial practices.
  - (i) Protects human health by limiting exposure to harmful substances.
  - (ii) Ensures environmental quality for flora, fauna, and natural habitats.
  - (iii) Facilitates compliance with international environmental norms for sustainable development.
Classification of Environmental Standards
- Primary and Secondary Environmental Standards
  
  Primary standards focus on human health protection, especially for vulnerable populations like children and the elderly, covering drinking water and air quality. Secondary standards protect environmental integrity, addressing visibility, ecosystem damage, and structural harm.
  - (i) Attainment areas meet these standards; non-attainment areas require intervention.
  - (ii) Policies adapt based on population density and industrial impact.
  - (iii) Continuous monitoring ensures compliance.
- Ambient Environmental Standards
  
  Ambient standards define acceptable pollutant concentrations in the surrounding environment. Examples include National Ambient Air Quality Standards for 8-hour and 24-hour periods by the CPCB.
- Emission Standards
  
  Emission standards limit pollutants from specific sources:
  - Emission rate (kg/hour)
  - Emission concentration (ppm, BOD in wastewater)
  - Total residuals quantity
  - Residuals per production/output unit (e.g., SO₂ per kWh)
  - Residuals per input unit (e.g., sulfur in coal)
  - Pollutant removal efficiency (e.g., 60% reduction)
- Source Standards
  
  Source standards define pollutant levels at the point of origin. Examples include power plant emissions and generator noise.
- Performance Standards
  
  These exposure-based standards target the outcomes of pollution:
  - Workplace exposure limits to chemicals
  - Accident rate limits
  - Acceptable air quality levels at workplaces
  - Reduced pesticide usage by farmers
- Biological Standards
  
  Biological standards measure pollutants in tissues or fluids to assess impact, particularly in aquatic ecosystems affected by industrial discharge.
- Technology Standards
  
  Technology standards mandate cleaner production techniques. The “technology forcing” approach compels industries to adopt advanced pollution-reduction technologies.
Global Environmental Standards

International environmental norms are guided by the World Health Organization (WHO), including:
- Ambient air quality guidelines
- Drinking water standards
WHO standards form the framework for national regulations, emphasizing preventive risk management and surveillance. All nations adapt these standards to local ecological conditions.
Environmental Standards in India

India follows standards set by the CPCB and BIS. The CPCB has notified National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) for 12 key pollutants: PM10, PM2.5, CO, SO₂, NO₂, NH₃, O₃, Lead, Arsenic, Nickel, Benzene, and Benzo(a)Pyrene.

Additionally, 115 emission/effluent standards exist for 104 industrial sectors across 32 ambient pollutants. BIS standards under IS–10500 (revised 2012) regulate drinking water via:
- Acceptable limits
- Permissible limits (applied when alternatives unavailable)
Water exceeding these thresholds is unfit for human consumption.
Summary of Environmental Standards

Understanding environmental standards in India and globally is vital for controlling pollution, protecting human health, and preserving ecosystems. Key frameworks by the CPCB, BIS, and WHO provide benchmarks for air, water, and industrial emissions. Students and researchers benefit from knowledge of these standards for exam preparation, policy analysis, and environmental management studies.