Air pollution in India remains a critical environmental and public health challenge, with recent studies highlighting its severe impact on mortality rates and quality of life. Despite various interventions, the situation has shown minimal improvement, necessitating a comprehensive and sustained approach to mitigate this pressing issue.
Current State of Air Quality
India is home to some of the most polluted cities globally. In 2019, 21 of the world’s 30 most polluted cities were in India. The primary contributors to this pollution include industrial emissions, vehicular exhaust, construction dust, thermal power generation, waste burning, and the use of biomass for cooking in rural households. Notably, 51% of air pollution is attributed to industrial activities, 27% to vehicles, 17% to crop burning, and 5% to other sources.
Health Implications
The health consequences of air pollution are dire. Long-term exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) above the World Health Organization (WHO) recommended levels is associated with approximately 1.5 million deaths annually in India. Alarmingly, the entire population of 1.4 billion resides in areas where PM2.5 concentrations exceed WHO guidelines. Every 10 μg/m³ increase in annual PM2.5 exposure correlates with an 8.6% increased risk of mortality.
Short-term exposure also poses significant risks. A study across ten Indian cities found that 33,000 deaths annually are attributable to PM2.5 levels exceeding WHO guidelines. Even cities not traditionally associated with high pollution levels, such as Bengaluru and Chennai, are experiencing increased mortality linked to air quality.
Recent Developments and Challenges
In November 2024, New Delhi faced extreme pollution levels, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) reaching hazardous levels. The Yamuna River, one of the most polluted globally, was covered with toxic foam due to industrial and domestic waste, exacerbating the environmental crisis.
Despite various technological interventions, such as smog towers and anti-smog guns, the effectiveness of these measures has been questioned. Critics argue that these solutions offer only short-term relief and fail to address the root causes of pollution, such as vehicular emissions, industrial activities, and crop burning.
Government Initiatives
The Indian government has implemented several measures to combat air pollution. The National Clean Air Programme (NCAP), launched in 2019, aims for a 20%-30% reduction in PM2.5 and PM10 concentrations by 2024, using 2017 as the base year. This initiative targets 102 cities identified as having air quality worse than the National Ambient Air Quality Standards.
Additionally, there are plans for a 1,600-kilometer-long and 5-kilometer-wide green ecological corridor along the Aravalli range, known as the Great Green Wall of Aravalli. This project involves planting 1.35 billion native trees over ten years to combat pollution.
Public Awareness and Behavioral Change
Public awareness campaigns have been initiated to educate citizens about the health risks associated with air pollution and the importance of adopting cleaner practices. However, changing long-standing behaviors, such as the use of biomass for cooking in rural areas or the burning of crop residues, requires sustained efforts and viable alternatives.
The Way Forward
Addressing air pollution in India necessitates a multi-faceted approach:
- Strengthening Regulations: Enforcing stricter emission standards for industries and vehicles is crucial. Regular monitoring and stringent penalties for non-compliance can deter violations.
- Promoting Clean Energy: Transitioning to renewable energy sources can reduce dependence on fossil fuels, thereby decreasing emissions. Incentives for solar and wind energy adoption can accelerate this shift.
- Enhancing Public Transport: Improving the quality and reach of public transportation can reduce the number of private vehicles on the road, alleviating traffic congestion and lowering emissions.
- Supporting Farmers: Providing farmers with alternatives to crop burning, such as subsidized machinery for residue management, can mitigate one of the significant sources of air pollution.
- Urban Planning: Developing green spaces and implementing sustainable urban planning practices can improve air quality and enhance the overall quality of life.
Conclusion
Air pollution in India is a complex issue with deep-rooted causes and far-reaching consequences. While efforts have been made to address the problem, the persistent nature of the crisis indicates that more comprehensive and sustained actions are required. Collaborative efforts involving government agencies, industries, and citizens are essential to create a healthier environment for current and future generations.
