India’s Air Pollution Concern

Syllabus: GS3/Environmental Pollution

Context

• India’s air pollution crisis is a persistent issue causing severe health problems, with cities regularly topping global pollution rankings.

World Air Quality Report 2024

• Thirteen of the world’s top 20 most polluted cities are in India, with Byrnihat on the Assam-Meghalaya border being the most polluted.
• India is the fifth most polluted country in the world, with an average Air Quality Index (AQI) of 50.6 μg/m3 – 10 times higher than the World Health Organization’s (WHO) annual PM2.5 guideline value of 5 μg/m3.
• Delhi continues to be the most polluted Capital city in the world with an average PM 2.5 concentration of 91.8 μg/m3.

Air Pollution

• When harmful substances (pollutants) – particles, gases, or matter – are released into the air and reduce its quality, the air is polluted. 
• Common air pollutants include: Particulate Matter (PM), Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2), Sulfur Dioxide (SO2), Ozone (O3), Carbon Monoxide (CO), Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), Lead etc.
• Source: These pollutants can originate from natural sources such as volcanic eruptions and wildfires, but human activities such as industrial production, transportation, agriculture, and residential heating are significant contributors to air pollution. 
• Concerns: 
  • Health Related: Respiratory issues, cardiovascular problems, reduced lung function.
  • Environmental: Ecosystem damage, Biodiversity loss, Water pollution, climate change, crop damage.
  • Healthcare Costs: The health impacts of air pollution result in increased healthcare costs, including expenses related to the treatment of respiratory and cardiovascular diseases.

Reasons for High Level of Air Pollution in India

• Vehicular Emissions: High number of old, inefficient vehicles and dependence on diesel and petrol contribute to air pollution.
• Industrial Emissions: Large-scale industries, especially coal-based power plants, contribute significantly to air pollution.
• Burning of Biomass: Widespread use of crop residue burning and solid fuels like wood and cow dung for cooking in rural areas.
• Construction Dust: Rapid urbanization leads to construction activities, generating significant amounts of dust and particulate matter.
• Waste Burning: Open burning of garbage and waste is common, especially in urban and semi-urban areas, releasing harmful pollutants.
• Population Density: Overcrowded cities with high vehicular traffic and industrial activity increase pollution levels.
• Climate and Geography: Seasonal weather patterns, especially during winters, cause pollutants to remain trapped in the air, exacerbating smog and haze.
• Deforestation: Loss of green cover reduces the natural filtration of air, leading to higher pollution levels.

Government Initiatives

• National Clean Air Programme (NCAP): Launched in 2019, NCAP is a comprehensive initiative with the goal of reducing air pollution in identified cities and regions across India.
  • The program focuses on improving air quality monitoring, implementing stricter emission standards, and promoting public awareness.
• Bharat Stage VI (BS-VI) Emission Standards: The government implemented BS-VI emission standards for vehicles nationwide in 2020.
  • These standards aim to reduce vehicular emissions by mandating the use of cleaner fuel and more advanced emission control technologies.
• Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY): The PMUY scheme aims to provide clean cooking fuel to households by promoting the use of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) as an alternative to traditional biomass-based cooking methods. 
• FAME (Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Hybrid and Electric Vehicles) Scheme: The FAME scheme promotes the adoption of electric and hybrid vehicles to reduce air pollution caused by vehicular emissions.
  • Incentives are provided to both manufacturers and consumers to encourage the use of electric vehicles.
• Green Initiatives for Sustainable Habitat (GRIHA): GRIHA is an initiative to promote sustainable and environmentally friendly practices in the construction and operation of buildings.
  • It encourages the use of energy-efficient technologies and materials to reduce pollution.
• Waste Management Programs: It is crucial to prevent the burning of waste, which contributes to air pollution.
  • Various waste management initiatives, including the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, aim to address solid waste issues and promote cleaner disposal methods.
• Commission for Air Quality Management: The Commission has been set up for Air Quality Management in the National Capital Region and Adjoining Areas for better coordination, research, identification, and resolution of problems surrounding the air quality index.
• Afforestation Programs: Initiatives like the Green India Mission aim to increase tree cover, which can help absorb pollutants and improve air quality.

Way Ahead

• National Targets: India aims to reduce PM2.5 levels by 40% by 2026, but more detailed local data is needed for effective action, such as vehicle types, fuel used, and traffic patterns.
  • The current data gap affects fund utilization and makes air pollution a secondary concern for municipalities.
• Avoiding the “Western Trap”: Over-reliance on high-tech solutions and urban-centric tools could divert attention from basic pollution sources like biomass burning, old industrial processes, and polluting vehicles.
  • India’s strategy must remain rooted in on-ground realities rather than imported models.
• Focus on Implementation: Separate funding streams for research and immediate interventions are needed. The emphasis should be on short-term, scalable solutions.
• Global Guidance: Countries like China, Brazil, California, and London offer lessons on contextual, tailored approaches.
  • India should innovate based on its own unique needs, focusing on federalism and informal economies.

Source: TH