Pollution in India is likely to rise to alarming levels by the middle of the century unless drastic steps are taken, according to a new study by the Tata Energy Research Institute. If current conditions continue, suspended particulate air pollution is likely to rise to 52 million tons by 2047 from 17 million tons in 1997. Enviros blame the worsening air quality on a sharp rise in the number of vehicles. Pollution in many of the country’s rivers has also been rising because of industrial waste from factories and pesticide and fertilizer runoff from farms. Indian enviros are putting pressure on the government to check the growing pollution in almost every major city.
