VISVESVARAYA TECHNOLOGICAL UNIVERSITY

BELGAUM-590014

An Assignment Report
On

Soil Pollution in Yelahanka, Bengaluru.

Submitted by

Aditya Paul
1DT21CS007
Under the Guidance of
Sridhara S
Assistant Professor
Civil Engineering
Dayananda Sagar Academy of Technology & Management

Department of Computer Science and Engineering

DAYANANDA SAGAR ACADEMY OF TECHNOLOGY AND

MANAGEMENT
Udayapura, Kanakapura Road, Bangalore-560082 ,2022-2023
Introduction to Soil Pollution

Soil pollution refers to the introduction of harmful substances into the soil that
disrupt its natural composition and negatively impact its quality, fertility, and
ecosystem functions. These pollutants can originate from various sources, both
natural and human-made, and may include industrial chemicals, pesticides, heavy
metals, untreated waste, and other contaminants.

Human activities such as improper waste disposal, industrial discharges, agricultural

practices, and mining can contribute significantly to soil pollution. The accumulation
of pollutants in the soil can lead to adverse effects on plant and microbial life,
contaminate groundwater, and pose risks to human health when toxic substances
enter the food chain.

Soil pollution is a multifaceted environmental issue with widespread implications for

agriculture, biodiversity, and overall ecosystem health. Addressing soil pollution
requires comprehensive strategies such as proper waste management, sustainable
agricultural practices, remediation of contaminated sites, and regulatory measures to
control the release of harmful substances into the soil. Efforts to mitigate soil
pollution play a crucial role in preserving the health of ecosystems, safeguarding
food security, and ensuring the well-being of both the environment and human
populations.

Soil Pollution in Bengaluru

Soil pollution in Bengaluru, like in many rapidly growing urban areas, is a concern
due to various anthropogenic activities. The city has witnessed significant
urbanization, industrialization, and population growth, leading to increased pressures
on the soil environment.

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Addressing soil pollution in Bengaluru requires comprehensive waste management
practices, sustainable urban planning, and regulatory measures to control industrial
emissions and agricultural practices. Efforts to promote awareness among the public
and industries about responsible waste disposal and sustainable practices are also
crucial. It's recommended to check with local environmental agencies, such as the
Karnataka State Pollution Control Board, for the latest information and initiatives
related to soil pollution in Bengaluru.

Soil Pollution in Yelahanka

Like the trend with other types of pollution, soil pollution has been on the rise in
recent times in places like Yelahanka with excess uses of land fills and dumps and
deforestation of the land.

Fig 1: Deforestation level in Yelahanka

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From the image above, it can be easily noted that in recent times, there has been
higher levels of deforestation in Yelahanka and those lost trees have not been gained
later on. Hence, excessive deforestation is a major reason for the decrease in the
quality of soil in Yelahanka.

Fig 2: Location of Dump sites in Bengaluru

From the above image, we can get an idea of the dump and land fill sites in
Bengaluru. If we check the northern part of the map, then we can see that there are a
few of the land fills in the Yelahanka region as well which clearly contribute to the
soil pollution in that region.

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 Fig 3: Land Use map of Yelahanka

From the above image, it is quite clear that a lot of land in Yelahanka has either been
used up for building or has now turned into wastelands. This combined with the
deforestation levels in recent times has majorly influenced the soil pollution in
Yelahanka.

Measures to control Soil Pollution

Controlling soil pollution requires a combination of preventive measures, sustainable

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practices, and remediation efforts. Here are some key measures to control soil
pollution:

Waste Management:
Proper Disposal: Strict regulations for proper disposal of industrial and household
waste.
Recycling and Reuse: Encourage recycling and reuse to reduce landfill waste.

Agricultural Practices:
Integrated Pest Management (IPM): Minimize chemical pesticide and fertilizer use.
Organic Farming: Promote organic farming practices for healthier soils.

Industrial Regulations:
Emission Controls: Enforce regulations on industrial emissions to prevent soil
contamination.
Treatment of Industrial Effluents: Mandate effluent treatment to remove harmful
substances.

Urban Planning and Construction:

Land Use Planning: Plan urban development to minimize soil disturbance.
Construction Site Management: Implement erosion control measures at construction
sites.

Contaminated Site Remediation:

Soil Remediation Techniques: Develop and implement effective soil remediation
technologies.
Monitoring and Assessment: Regularly monitor soil quality and address
contamination promptly.

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Conclusion

In conclusion, soil pollution poses a significant threat to ecosystems, agriculture, and

human health. Addressing this complex issue requires a multifaceted approach,
including proper waste management, sustainable agricultural practices, stringent
industrial regulations, and effective remediation techniques. Public awareness and
education play vital roles in fostering a commitment to environmentally responsible
behavior. Collaboration among government entities, industries, farmers, and the
general public is essential to successfully control soil pollution, ensuring the
preservation of soil health for current and future generations. By implementing these
measures, societies can strive towards sustainable practices that mitigate the impact
of soil pollution and promote a healthier environment.