2020 · Paper II · 10 marks

Give a brief account of factors responsible for environmental pollution.

In short

Environmental pollution is driven by industrial emissions, chemical-intensive agriculture, rapid urbanisation with vehicles, waste and untreated sewage, and deforestation, which together degrade air, water and soil. In Andhra Pradesh, Visakhapatnam's industries, pesticide use in chilli farming and sewage entering the Krishna and Godavari are major sources.

Model answer

Ghissu Editorial · Verified 4 Oct 2026

Introduction
Environmental pollution has become a critical concern in India due to rapid industrialisation, urbanisation and population growth, threatening public health, biodiversity and sustainable development. In states like Andhra Pradesh, industrial corridors, intensive agriculture and fast-growing cities are the main drivers.
Main Factors Causing Environmental Pollution
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Industrial Emissions

Industrial hubs such as Visakhapatnam release suspended particulate matter, sulphur dioxide and nitrogen oxides, while thermal power plants and port-led industrial corridors with inadequate waste treatment pollute air and water.

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Agricultural Practices

Heavy use of chemical fertilisers and pesticides contaminates soil and water, and runoff into the Krishna and Godavari harms aquatic life and groundwater.

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Urbanisation and Domestic Sources

Growing cities like Vijayawada face rising vehicular emissions1, solid waste and untreated sewage, as waste management and sanitation infrastructure lag behind urban growth.

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Deforestation and Natural Factors

Loss of vegetation raises atmospheric CO2, causes soil erosion and reduces the natural filtration of pollutants.

Other Sources
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Soil, Noise and Waste Pollution

Improper disposal of industrial solid waste and landfill leachate contaminate soil, traffic and construction raise noise levels, and poorly managed biomedical and plastic waste add further hazards.

Way Forward
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Governance and Practices

Strengthen the Andhra Pradesh Pollution Control Board, promote integrated pest management and organic farming, and invest in sewage treatment, solid waste management and public transport.

Conclusion
Pollution arises from industrial growth, agricultural intensification, urban expansion and resource depletion. Better governance, sustainable practices and infrastructure will safeguard public health and ecological integrity, in line with the Sustainable Development Goals.

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Hand-drawn diagram: Factors Responsible for Environmental Pollution. Factors Responsible for Environmental Pollution. Diagram (fishbone): Factors Responsible for Environmental Pollution; Environmental Pollution; Industrial Emissions; Agricultural Practices; Urbanization and Domestic Sources; Natural Factors and Deforestation
Diagram: Factors Responsible for Environmental Pollution

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This chapter in the exam

Environmental Geography7 questions

Asked in 3 of 8 sittings since 2008

2008
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2011
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2012
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2016
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2017
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2020
2
2023
2
2025
3

Most tested: Environmental vulnerability and management in Andhra Pradesh, especially drought, pollution control, and disaster impacts.

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Question from the official APPSC Group-I Mains 2020 paper. Answer written by Ghissu's engine and checked against our editorial standards. Found an error? Tell us and we correct it within 48 hours.

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