An empirical study towards air pollution control in Agra, India: a case study

Air pollution affects many people in developed and developing countries worldwide. It is costing around 2% and 5% of GDP (gross domestic product) in developed and developing countries, respectively. The air qualities have been deteriorating day by day and now the situation has become worst. An increase in air pollution will worsen the environment and human health status. Hence, there is an urgent need for air pollution control. Air pollution can be controlled by reducing the emission of air pollutants from industrial and domestic sources through source emission control decrease in fuel combustion, modifying technology, and growing plants. This is the ripe time to take some bold steps in controlling the menace of air pollution. The scientific bodies, NGOs, researchers, and policymakers have made several efforts but pollution levels are increasing everywhere. The UNEP (The United Nations Environment Program), IPCC (The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change), etc., have prepared several reports and organize every year COPs (Conference of Parties) meeting but all have gone in vain as the main culprit feedback has not been taken into the consideration. So, a sincere effort is required to fight the effects of climate change. This paper presents a case study of the Agra region over the Indo-Gangetic basin. The air quality of different sites in Agra has been evaluated, and a survey has been conducted to get the public opinion on air pollution, causes, impacts, and solutions. 75% of respondents were aware of the poor air quality of Agra, however, the percentage of respondent who was unaware is not small. It is a matter of concern. 85% of respondents think that poor education and unawareness are the major cause of air pollution. They suggested education, value-based education to improve air quality. Based on these outcomes, it has been concluded that nature-based solutions for air pollution control can be achieved by making people environmentally conscious through value-based education.