ENVIRONMENTAL

AWARENESS
LAND POLLUTION:
Land pollution is the contamination of the Earth's land surface
through misuse of the soil by poor agricultural practices, mineral
exploitation, industrial waste dumping, and indiscriminate disposal
of urban wastes. It includes visible waste and litter as well as
pollution of the soil itself.

Causes and Effects of Land Pollution

People across the globe have been facing a number of health
problems caused due to the pollution of land, water and air.
Talking about land pollution, it has some of the most devastating
effects on both nature and living beings. Land pollution is
characterized by the contamination of Earth's surface, where
humans and other creatures live. One of the major causes of land
pollution is human activities. Given below is complete information
about the main causes and harmful effects of land pollution.

1.1 Causes of Land Pollution

The disposal of non-biodegradable wastes, including containers,
bottles and cans made of plastic, used cars and electronic goods,
leads to the pollution of land.
The process of mining leads to the formation of piles of coal and
slag. When these wastes are not disposed through proper
channel, they are accumulated and contaminate the land.
Industrial wastes are major contributors of land pollution.
Dumping of toxic materials such as chemicals and paints makes
the areas surrounding the industries, look very filthy.
Improper treatment of sewage leads to the accumulation of solids,
such as biomass sludge. These solid wastes overflow through the
sewage, making the entire area look dirty. [1]
Population
India is the second most populous country in the world with more
than 1 billion people. This large population is also an
environmental challenge for the world.
Soil Erosion
This is the biggest problem. Wind also aids in expanding the ever-
increasing desert conditions of the Rajasthan desert. Similarly,
many ports are now covered in sand for the same reasons.
Deforestation
Although the British started deforestation in India, the pressures
to modernize since the partition of 1947 have only increased the
rates of deforestation. The mercurial growth of cities and the
rapid construction of factories to help feed the thirst for economic
growth have come at the cost of India's woodlands. These
policies not only harmed the trees but the indigenous peoples that
had long thrived among the trees throughout India.

2. Effects of Land Pollution

Tonnes and tonnes of domestic wastes are dumped every day.
Since people do not follow proper methods for the disposal of
such wastes, it leaves the places look dirty and makes them
unhealthy.
Land pollution indirectly affects the respiratory system of human
beings. Breathing in polluted dust or particle can result in a
number of health problems related to the respiratory system. [2]
Skin problems are often diagnosed due to land pollution. It is said
that the improper disposal of household wastes leads to allergic
reactions on the skin.
Land pollution has been found as one of the leading causes for
birth defects. Pregnant women living in unhealthy and dirty
environment can incur breathing problems and a number of
diseases, which may affect the health of the baby as well.
Land pollution has serious effect on wildlife. Flora, which provides
food and shelter to wildlife, are destroyed.
Land pollution often disrupts the balance of Nature, causing
human fatalities.