Industries contribute significantly to economic growth but cause environmental degradation through four major types of pollution: air, water, land, and noise pollution. Thermal power plants are also considered polluting industries.

Water pollution is caused by organic and inorganic industrial wastes and effluents discharged into rivers. Industries like paper, pulp, chemical, textile, dyeing, petroleum refineries, tanneries, and electroplating industries release dyes, detergents, acids, salts, and heavy metals like lead and mercury into water bodies. Thermal pollution occurs when hot water from factories and thermal plants is drained into rivers and ponds before cooling, which affects aquatic life.

Land pollution results from dumping of wastes such as glass, harmful chemicals, industrial effluents, packaging, salts, and garbage, which renders the soil useless. Rain water percolates through these pollutants, carrying them to the ground and contaminating groundwater. Fly ash, phospo-gypsum, and iron and steel slags are major solid wastes in India.

Noise pollution from industrial and construction activities, machinery, factory equipment, generators, saws, and pneumatic and electric drills causes irritation, anger, hearing impairment, and increased heart rate and blood pressure.

Wastes from nuclear power plants and weapon production facilities cause cancers, birth defects, and miscarriages.