A Fuzzy MCDM Framework For The Environmental Pollution Potential Of Industries Focusing On Air Pollution

Abstract

The industrial policies of developing countries mainly focusing on the pursuit of economic growth with inadequate importance given to environmental pollution issues has resulted in rapid degradation of the natural environment. As the ambience has a dilution limit, industries that have been emitting air pollutants within the permissible pollution norms also contribute their share towards overall environmental degradation. Expressing permissible limits of pollution parameters on the dichotomous scale (Yes/No) needs a paradigm shift from crisp (Permissible OR Not Permissible) to fuzzy values (Permissible AND Not Permissible). A fresh look at the pollution control strategies is, therefore, necessary. An attempt has been made to address this problem and a new formalism of integrated effects of air pollutants is proposed for industries based on their air emissions. Vagueness in the perception of environmental experts for evaluating the techno-scientific parameters in linguistic terms for specific usage, coupled with imprecision in parametric data calls for the application of fuzzy modelling. In this study, importance is given to each air pollutant and a composite index is developed, which can reflect the air pollution potential of an industry. The study also reflects a case study of stringent environmental standards reflecting the rise in the pollution potential of industries. This can be linked to policy framing based on the principle of the polluter paying to control the pollution levels in the environment. The case study relates to the application of Fuzzy Multi Criteria Decision Making (FMCDM) for ranking the industries located in the State of Gujarat, India. The feasibility of the approach for ranking industries based on their air pollution potential is also discussed.