NCERT Class 12 Geography India -People And Economy: Chapter 9 — Environmental Pollution
This chapter, 'Environmental Pollution,' from NCERT's Class 12 Geography textbook 'India - People and Economy,' details the causes and types of pollution. It explains that pollution results from human activities releasing waste products and energy. The chapter classifies pollution into four main types: air, water, land, and noise pollution, based on the medium through which pollutants spread. It elaborates on water pollution, highlighting how industrial, agricultural, and cultural activities degrade water quality, making it unfit for use. The text provides tables detailing various sources of pollution for different rivers like the Ganga and Yamuna, emphasizing the significant impact of industrial and domestic waste. This chapter is crucial for understanding environmental challenges in India and their geographical context within the CBSE curriculum.
Quick info
| Board | CBSE / NCERT |
|---|---|
| Class | Class 12 |
| Subject | Geography |
| Book | India -People And Economy |
| Chapter | Chapter 9 — Environmental Pollution |
| Language | English |
| PDF type | NCERT Textbook |
| Session | CBSE 2026 |
| Reading time | 3 minutes |
| Word count | 535 |
Learning outcomes
- Identify the different types of environmental pollution.
- Understand the geographical perspective on pollution issues in India.
- Analyze the sources of water pollution in major Indian rivers.
- Recognize the role of human activities in causing pollution.
- Evaluate the impact of industrial and agricultural practices on the environment.
Vocabulary
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Pollutants | Substances and energy released from waste products of human activities. |
| Air Pollution | Pollution caused by substances released into the atmosphere. |
| Water Pollution | Degradation of water quality due to contaminants. |
| Land Pollution | Contamination of land surfaces. |
| Noise Pollution | Excessive or disturbing sound levels. |
| Effluents | Liquid waste discharged from industrial processes. |
| Urban Run-off | Rainwater that flows over urban surfaces, picking up pollutants. |
| Pesticides | Chemicals used to kill pests. |
| Fertilisers | Substances added to soil to increase fertility. |
| Carcinogens | Substances that can cause cancer. |
| Bio-system | The living organisms and their physical environment in a particular area. |
| Self-purifying capacity | The ability of a water body to remove or dilute pollutants naturally. |
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Practice questions
- What are the four main types of pollution discussed in the chapter? Answer: The four main types of pollution are air pollution, water pollution, land pollution, and noise pollution.
- What is the primary cause of environmental pollution according to the chapter? Answer: Environmental pollution primarily results from the release of substances and energy from waste products of human activities.
- Name three major water polluting industries mentioned in the text. Answer: The major water polluting industries mentioned are leather, pulp and paper, and textiles and chemicals.
- How do agricultural activities contribute to water pollution? Answer: Chemicals like inorganic fertilisers, pesticides, and herbicides used in agriculture are washed into rivers and lakes, or infiltrate the soil to reach groundwater, causing pollution.
- What is the significance of the Ganga and Yamuna rivers in the context of pollution? Answer: The Ganga and Yamuna rivers are significantly polluted by industrial waste, domestic sewage, and agricultural run-off, highlighting major pollution issues in India.
Practice MCQs
Q1. Which of the following is NOT listed as a type of pollution in the chapter?
Explanation: The chapter explicitly lists air, water, land, and noise pollution. Soil pollution is a form of land pollution but not listed as a distinct category here.
Q2. According to the chapter, what is the most significant contributor to water pollution among human activities?
Explanation: The text states that 'industry is the most significant contributor' to water pollution among human activities.
Q3. Which of these is mentioned as a source of air pollution?
Explanation: Industrial processes are listed as a source of air pollution, along with the combustion of fossil fuels and solid waste disposal.
Q4. An increase in nitrate content of surface waters is often induced by:
Explanation: The chapter states that 'Fertiliser induces an increase in the nitrate content of surface waters.'
Q5. Which river is mentioned as having a pervasive layer of foam on its outskirts of New Delhi due to pollution?
Explanation: Figure 9.1 caption mentions a 'pervasive layer of foam on the heavily polluted Yamuna on the outskirts of New Delhi.'
Q6. Which of the following is NOT listed as a major water polluting industry?
Explanation: The chapter explicitly lists leather, pulp and paper, and textiles as major water polluting industries. Automobile manufacturing is not mentioned in this context.
Frequently asked questions
What is environmental pollution?
Environmental pollution is defined as the release of substances and energy from waste products of human activities, which degrade the environment.
What are the main types of pollution discussed in NCERT Class 12 Geography?
The chapter discusses four main types of pollution: air pollution, water pollution, land pollution, and noise pollution.
Which human activities are major contributors to water pollution?
Industrial, agricultural, and cultural activities are major contributors to water pollution. Industry is highlighted as the most significant.
How do agricultural chemicals affect water bodies?
Chemicals like fertilisers and pesticides used in agriculture are washed into rivers and lakes or seep into groundwater, increasing nitrate content and introducing toxic residues.
What are some major water polluting industries in India?
Major water polluting industries include leather, pulp and paper, and chemicals.
What specific pollution issues are highlighted for the Ganga and Yamuna rivers?
The Ganga and Yamuna rivers face pollution from industrial waste, domestic sewage, agricultural run-off, and dumping of carcasses.
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NCERT Class 12 Geography — India -People And Economy — Chapter 9 — Environmental Pollution. Verified by NCERT Help Editorial Team. Reviewed on 29 Jul 2026. Last updated 10 Aug 2026.