- According to the 2024 World Air Quality Report, Delhi having an average PM 2.5 concentration of 91.8 μg/m3 continues to be the most polluted Capital city in the world.
- According to the report, 13 of the 20 most polluted cities in the world in India, with Byrnihat on the Assam-Meghalaya border are the most polluted.
- India stands in fifth position among the most polluted countries in the world, with an average Air Quality Index (AQI) of 50.6 μg/m3 – 10 times higher than the (WHO) annual PM2.5 guideline value of 5 μg/m3.
What is air pollution?
Air Pollution is the contamination of the atmosphere with harmful substances that can adversely affect human health, ecosystems, and climate. The contaminating substances that cause air pollution are Air Pollutants. These substances can be gases, particles, or a combination of both and come from various sources.
Major Driving Factors of Air Pollution
- Vehicular and Industrial Emissions: Nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, and non-methane volatile organic compounds are the primary pollutants from vehicles (>80%).
- Industries like iron and steel, sugar, paper, cement, fertilizer, copper, and aluminum contribute to suspended particulate matter (SPM), sulfur oxides (SOx), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and carbon dioxide (CO2).
- Road transport presently accounts for 12% of India’s energy-related CO2 emissions and is a key contributor to urban air pollution (International Energy Agency)
- Solid Waste Burning: As per The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI), India generates over 62 million tons (MT) of waste annually. Every day we are burning a significant portion of it openly or in informal dump sites.
- Open burning of solid waste results in the release of various pollutants, like PM, dioxins, and furans.
- Stubble Burning and Other Agricultural Activities: Intentional burning of straw stubble after harvesting grains contributes significantly to air pollution.
Effects of Air Pollution in India
Air pollution in India has serious, multi-dimensional risks to its people. Some of the major effects of air pollution are as follows:
Health Effects
- It poses serious health risks, like respiratory diseases such as asthma and chronic bronchitis, cardiovascular conditions, and premature mortality.
- As a result, Air pollution in India increases mortality and morbidity rates.
- A 2018 report by the Health Effects Institute projects a rise in annual deaths due to air pollution in India from 1.1 million in 2015 to 1.7 million in 2030.
Environmental Effects
- Air pollution adversely affects ecosystems by polluting soil and water bodies which damages vegetation, and eventually impacts wildlife.
- High concentrations of sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides lead to Acid Rain, which has detrimental environmental impacts.
- Some air pollutants, such as greenhouse gases (e.g., carbon dioxide and methane), contribute to global warming and climate change.
Economic Effects
- Air pollution reduces agricultural productivity and yields by damaging the soil.
- It also rapidly increases public health expenditure due to increased health issues, which occur due to diseases associated with it.
- Exacerbated health issues also lead to diminished labour productivity.
- Estimates peg the economic cost of air pollution to the Indian economy at more than $150 billion annually.
| People also read: | |
| Genetically Modified (GM) Crops | Top 5 NDA Coaching in India |
Measures Taken to Control Air Pollution in India
- The Air (Prevention And Control of Pollution) Act, of 1981, is there to provide a legislative framework for air pollution control measures.
- The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and State Pollution Control Boards (SPCBs) also have the functions and powers to monitor air quality nationwide.
- The Government has notified the National Ambient Air Quality Standards 2009, which envisages 12 pollutants to indicate the levels of air quality.
- Setting up various monitoring networks to gaze/assess ambient air quality in different cities.
- The introduction of cleaner or alternate fuels like CNG, LPG, and bio-diesel (B20) is also essential.
- Setting up of common pollution control facilities for industrial pollution control.
- Rollout of Bharat Stage VI norms all over the country since 2020, was also a major step.
- Stringent industrial standards have been formulated and notified for public/stakeholder comments.
- Environment clearances have been made compulsory for developmental projects. Also, public hearings have been made an important component of the Environmental Impact Assessment process.
- Introduction of Green Crackers, Smog Towers, etc.
Measures to Expedite Air Pollution Control in India?
- Introduce Air Quality Bonds: Mandating industries and other major polluters to purchase Air Quality Bonds, wherein the amount is proportional to their emissions.
- Biochar Brigade: Empower rural communities, especially women’s self-help groups, to create and distribute biochar. Biochar is a charcoal-like substance produced by burning organic waste in a controlled environment. Biochar in the soil can improve fertility and sequester carbon.
- Increasing Urban Forest Canopy Cover: Launching a national competition among cities to increase their urban forest canopy cover. It will boost the adoption of sustainable practices.
- Air Quality-Based Tolling: Implement dynamic toll pricing on highways and bridges based on real-time air quality data. It will regulate traffic flow and emissions too.
- National Air Quality Awareness Corps: Create a dedicated National Air Quality Awareness Corps to create grassroots awareness campaigns, educate communities, and promote citizen engagement in air pollution mitigation efforts.
- Building with Biomimicry: Biomimicry has the potential to revolutionize building construction. For instance, incorporating natural ventilation systems modeled after termite mounds or developing facades with microstructures inspired by leaves can enhance airflow naturally.
Conclusion
Air pollution in India has been a critical challenge for many years damaging the environment and public health. Tackling this menace necessitates a multifaceted approach to addressing its causes and mitigating its effects. Through stringent regulations, technological advancements, public awareness, and collective efforts, India can achieve the goal of a cleaner and healthier environment.