how did the development of cities influence the Ecology and environment in late 19th century in Kolkata?
Answers
ANSWER:
These were some of the causes of of air pollution in Calcutta in the 19th century are the following causes are:
1. Calcutta had a long history of air pollution. It's habitants in inhaled grey smoke, particular in the winter. Since the city was built on marshy land, the resulting fog combined with smoke to generate a thick black smog.
2. Burning of dung and wood fuel were the main sources of air pollution.
3. Colonial authorities at first intended to clear the place of miasmas, or harmful papers, but the railway lines introduced in 1855, brought a dangerous new pollutant into the picture coal from Raniganj. The high content of ash in the Indian coal was a problem. Many pleas were made to banish the dirty mills from the city, but without any results.
4. Calcutta was the first city to get smoke nuisance legislation in 1863.
5. The inspectors of the Bengal smoke nuisance Commission finally managed to control the industrial smoke. controlling domestic smoke, however, was far more difficult.
How did the development of the citiesinfluence the ecology and environment in late 19th century? Explain your answer by giving the examples of Calcutta.
Ans. Cities developed everywhere at the expense of ecology and environment. Natural features were transformed for the establishment of factories, housing and other institutions.
The following examples justify the fact
(i) In Calcutta, coal was used in industries and steam engines. The high content of ash in Indian coal became a great problem.
(ii) As the city was built or marshy land, the resulting fog in winter combined with smoke generated thick black smog. It created a high level of pollution.
(iii) The inhabitants of Calcutta used coal, wood and dung as fuel in daily life. It produced dense smoke, which made the air poisoning and caused many diseases like respiratory and skin diseases.
(iv) Calcutta was the centre of manufacturing and its industries were mainly developed at the bank of river Ganga (Hoogly). The waste products from these industries polluted the water and air.
(v) Due to industrialisation and urbanisation, noise pollution was very common in Calcutta. All these factors were very harmful to environment and ecology. In 1863, Calcutta became the first Indian city to get Smoke Nuisance Legislation.