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 · 280 words
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.
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.
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.
Deforestation and Natural Factors
Loss of vegetation raises atmospheric CO2, causes soil erosion and reduces the natural filtration of pollutants.
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.
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.
This model answer is indicative and the model can make mistakes; please verify key facts independently.

Practise this question
1Get the answer sheet
Sized for this question.
2Write your answer
Timed, by hand.
3Get it marked
Your score and what to fix.
This chapter in the exam
Environmental Geography7 questions
Asked in 3 of 8 sittings since 2008
Most tested: Environmental vulnerability and management in Andhra Pradesh, especially drought, pollution control, and disaster impacts.
- 2025Discuss the vulnerability of Andhra Pradesh to cyclones and floods, highlighting the causes, regional patterns, and impacts.
- 2025Analyse the disaster vulnerability of Rayalaseema region in Andhra Pradesh with respect to droughts. Discuss the socio-economic consequences.
All 7 questions, sorted by sub-topic, with model answers and practice.
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.