Environmental Geography: Assessing the Environmental Challenges in Haryana

Abstract

The environmental challenges in Haryana are multifaceted, encompassing issues ranging from air and water pollution to deforestation and habitat degradation. Rapid urbanization and industrialization have exerted immense pressure on the state's natural resources, leading to the degradation of air and water quality. The proliferation of industries and vehicular emissions have contributed to alarming levels of air pollution, posing significant risks to public health and ecological balance. Similarly, water bodies in Haryana, including rivers like the Yamuna and Ghaggar, face pollution from industrial effluents, agricultural runoff, and untreated sewage, endangering both aquatic ecosystems and human well-being. Furthermore, the state grapples with the challenge of deforestation and habitat loss, primarily driven by urban expansion, agricultural encroachment, and unsustainable land use practices. The depletion of forest cover not only diminishes biodiversity but also exacerbates soil erosion, water scarcity, and climate vulnerability.