Trends of Air Quality Deterioration and Industrial Polluting Activities in Indian Weaver city, Panipat

Abstract

The IPCC (AR6) report predicts a global temperature rise of 1.5°C over the next 20 years, leading to climate-related changes. Fossil fuels, such as coal, oil, and gas, contribute significantly to greenhouse gas emissions, reducing the built environment's capacity to absorb negative externalities. Human activities like industrialisation, urbanisation, and poor waste management exacerbate environmental health risks and pollution, particularly in less developed nations. India's air quality has deteriorated from 8th place in 2022 to 3rd place in 2023, as shown in the World Air Quality Report, with Haryana scoring highest in the northern region. Addressing these hazards necessitates local risk identification and mapping. This study investigates the impact of hazardous polluting activities in Panipat, India's "City of Weavers" or "Textile City." Through trade openness, the city generates 192 crore turnovers for the state government and exports worldwide. The study collects reports like the Comprehensive Environmental Pollution Index and the WHO's Air Quality Life Index to analyse the impacts on residents. A primary survey was also conducted in Panipat City from 2022 to 2023, revealing medical expenditure and deterioration in health conditions due to pollution and bad weather conditions. The study aims to identify the causes and extent of industrial hazardous polluting activities responsible for these issues. Local-level problems can be resolved through active stakeholder participation, like the Panchayat, industry personnel, government officials, Public awareness and strict complaint rules for polluting activities.