Air Pollution In India: Impact Of Transboundary Smog

does india get air pollution from other countries

India is one of the world's most polluted countries, with 74 of the 100 most polluted cities and towns in the world. The National Capital Territory of Delhi is the most polluted city globally, with air pollution reducing the life expectancy of its residents by 11.9 years. India's air pollution is caused by industrial and vehicular emissions, construction dust and debris, thermal power plants, waste burning, and the use of wood and dung by low-income and rural households for cooking and heating. While India's air pollution is predominantly driven by domestic factors, the country is also impacted by air pollution from neighbouring countries. This is due to the transboundary nature of air pollution, where pollutants can travel across borders, affecting downwind regions. To address this complex issue, India has launched initiatives such as the National Clean Air Programme and collaborated with international organizations to implement effective solutions.

Characteristics Values
India's rank in the world's most polluted countries 2nd most polluted country
Number of cities in India that are among the 100 most polluted cities and towns in the world 74
India's rank among the countries most affected by climate change in 2019 7th
India's rank in the list of countries with the worst air pollution 3rd largest producer of greenhouse gases
India's population exposed to unhealthy levels of ambient PM2.5 100%
Number of deaths attributable to air pollution in India in 2019 1.67 million
Percentage of total deaths in India due to air pollution in 2019 17.8%
India's economic loss due to air pollution in 2019 $36.8 billion
India's economic loss due to air pollution in 2013 7.7% of GDP
India's annual average particulate pollution level as a multiple of the WHO guideline 10x
India's capital, New Delhi's, air quality rank among capital cities globally Poorest
Number of cities in India that do not meet the country's national annual PM5 standard 102
India's target for reduction in particulate pollution through the National Clean Air Programme 20-30% by 2024
India's rank in the list of countries that meet WHO Air Quality Standards 5th

shunwaste

India's air pollution data is hard to access

India is the world's second most polluted country, and air pollution poses a major health risk to its citizens. In 2019, 1.67 million deaths were attributable to air pollution in India, accounting for 17.8% of total deaths in the country. The economic losses due to premature deaths and morbidity from air pollution were estimated at a staggering $36.8 billion in 2019, equivalent to 1.36% of India's gross domestic product (GDP).

While India has a national ambient surface monitoring network in place, with the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and State Pollution Control Boards (SPCBs) operating over 750 manual monitoring stations as of 2019, accessing India's air pollution data remains a challenge. The availability of reliable, timely, and readily usable data on air pollution is an area where India can make significant improvements. Although air pollution data is available from Central and State pollution control board websites, it is often not easily accessible and may require significant pre-processing before it is ready for analysis. This inaccessibility sets India apart from many other nations with similar or even smaller air quality monitoring networks.

The difficulties in accessing India's air pollution data can be attributed to several factors. One reason may be the lack of standardization and coordination between different government agencies and departments responsible for collecting and disseminating air quality data. Additionally, the data may be stored in formats that are not easily accessible or compatible with commonly used data analysis tools, requiring additional time and resources for processing. Moreover, there might be a lack of technical expertise or resources to develop user-friendly data portals or application programming interfaces (APIs) that would enable smooth access to the data.

The inaccessibility of India's air pollution data has implications for addressing the country's air quality issues. Firstly, it hinders the ability of researchers, policymakers, and the public to fully understand the extent and sources of air pollution in different regions. This, in turn, can impact the development and implementation of effective air pollution control strategies. Secondly, it limits the potential for collaboration and knowledge-sharing between different stakeholders, including government agencies, academic institutions, and non-governmental organizations, both within India and internationally. Finally, it reduces the transparency and accountability of government and industries regarding their efforts to improve air quality and meet air quality standards.

Despite the challenges in accessing India's air pollution data, there are ongoing efforts to improve data availability and accessibility. For example, NASA has made various datasets from an array of sensors related to air quality freely and openly available through Earthdata Search. Additionally, the Clean Air Fund is working with the Indian government, businesses, and the public to reach India's clean air goals, promoting dialogue and information sharing among the air quality movement. Furthermore, India has launched its National Clean Air Programme (NCAP), aiming to reduce particulate pollution by focusing on cities that are not meeting the country's national annual PM5 standard. These initiatives demonstrate a commitment to improving air quality and increasing the accessibility of air pollution data in India.

shunwaste

India's air pollution control efforts

India is one of the world's most polluted countries, with New Delhi being the most polluted capital city globally. The country's air pollution levels are often much higher than the World Health Organization's recommended levels, especially during the winter season in cities and harvesting periods in rural areas of the northern Indian states. The main sources of air pollution in India include thermal power plants, vehicle pollution, industrial emissions, and the burning of wood and dirty fuels for cooking and heating.

To address this issue, India has launched an ambitious National Clean Air Program (NCAP) to reduce particulate matter pollution by 20-30% by 2024. The Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur has collaborated with the Department of Environment, Forest & Climate Change, supported by the Clean Air Fund, to enable real-time measures to mitigate and plug pollution sources. The Clean Air Fund works with the government, businesses, and the public to help reach India's clean air goals, and it has been instrumental in empowering healthcare professionals and amplifying health voices in the clean air movement. The World Bank has also been aiding India in Air Quality Management through a phased strategy aimed at enhancing knowledge, building capacity, involving stakeholders, transferring expertise, facilitating analysis, and mobilizing finance for more effective government programs.

India has also formulated various policies and regulations to control air pollution, including emission standards for industries and vehicles, restrictions on crop burning, and measures to promote cleaner fuels and renewable energy sources. The government has also focused on improving public transportation infrastructure, enhancing green spaces in urban areas, and fostering a culture of environmental stewardship among the population.

Despite these efforts, challenges remain in addressing India's air pollution problem. One significant challenge is the lack of enforcement of environmental regulations, leading to non-compliance by industries and individuals. Additionally, the availability of reliable, timely, and ready-to-use data on air pollution is an area where India can make significant improvements. Making these datasets more accessible and timely would enable Indian citizens to actively participate in addressing the country's air pollution issues.

Air Drying: Is Now the Right Time?

You may want to see also

shunwaste

India's air pollution health risks

India is the world's second most polluted country, and air pollution is a major public health threat. All of India's 1.3 billion people live in areas where the annual average particulate pollution level exceeds the World Health Organization (WHO) guideline of 5 µg/m3. Fine particulate air pollution (PM2.5) shortens an average Indian's life expectancy by 5.3 years, and in some areas, air pollution is shortening lives by 11.9 years. According to the non-profit Health Effects Institute, over a million Indians die prematurely every year due to air pollution. In 2019, air pollution accounted for 1.67 million deaths in India, with economic losses of $36.8 billion, or 1.36% of India's gross domestic product (GDP).

The main sources of PM2.5 pollution in India include emissions from burning fossil fuels such as coal or oil and biomass such as wood, charcoal, or crop residues. Windblown dust, including natural dust, and dust from construction sites, roads, and industrial plants, also contribute to PM2.5 pollution. Thermal power plants, vehicle pollution, industrial emissions, and the burning of wood and dirty fuels for cooking and heating are some of the main causes of air pollution in India. Over 100 million Indian households use cookstoves that burn biomass and use chullhas, which are responsible for 300,000 to 400,000 deaths from indoor air pollution and carbon monoxide poisoning in India annually, according to the World Health Organization.

The health impacts of air pollution in India are significant. Asthma is the most common health problem faced by Indians, and it accounts for more than half of the health issues caused by air pollution. Additionally, over two million children in Delhi, or half of the children in the city, have abnormalities in their lung function, according to the Delhi Heart and Lung Institute. The effects of air pollution on children are particularly concerning, as it can lead to reduced lung function and increased respiratory problems later in life. Air pollution is also associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease and premature death.

To address the health risks associated with air pollution, India has launched several initiatives. In 2019, India declared a "war against pollution" and introduced the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP), aiming to reduce particulate pollution by 20-30% nationally by 2024. The Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur has collaborated with the Department of Environment, Forest & Climate Change, and other organizations, supported by the Clean Air Fund, to implement real-time measures to mitigate and plug pollution sources. The Government of India has also implemented programs like the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojna to improve access to clean energy options like LPG at the household level for marginalized sections.

shunwaste

India's air pollution economic impact

India is the world's second most polluted country, with 1.4 billion people exposed to unhealthy levels of ambient PM2.5. This dangerous pollutant, which is about one-thirtieth the width of a human hair, causes deadly illnesses such as lung cancer, stroke, and heart disease. As a result, air pollution accounted for 1.67 million deaths in India in 2019, making up 17.8% of the total deaths in the country.

The economic impact of air pollution in India is significant. The lost output from premature deaths and morbidity attributable to air pollution resulted in economic losses of US$28.8 billion and $8 billion, respectively, in 2019. This total loss of $36.8 billion represented 1.36% of India's gross domestic product (GDP). The economic impact of air pollution varies across Indian states, ranging from 0.67% to 2.15% of state GDP. The states of Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Chhattisgarh experienced the highest economic losses relative to their GDPs.

The Indian government has recognized the severity of the country's air pollution problem and has taken steps to address it. In 2019, India declared a "war against pollution" and launched its National Clean Air Programme (NCAP), aiming to reduce particulate pollution by 20-30% nationally by 2024. The government has also strengthened vehicular and industrial emission standards, promoted renewable energy and electric vehicles, and supplied LPG cooking fuel to households.

Despite these efforts, air pollution remains a challenge, and India needs to implement effective strategies at the sub-national level, including collaboration between states, to achieve substantial reductions in pollution levels. Improving the availability and accessibility of air quality data can also help India address this issue more effectively.

The economic growth associated with India's development brings the challenge of managing air pollution. Reducing air pollution is crucial for India's aspiration to become a $5 trillion economy by 2024, as the adverse health and economic impacts of pollution impede this goal.

shunwaste

India's air pollution sources

India is the world's second most polluted country, with 100% of its population exposed to unhealthy levels of ambient PM2.5. The sources of India's air pollution are varied and both internal and external to its cities.

The main contributors to India's air pollution are industrial and vehicular emissions, construction dust and debris, thermal power plants, waste burning, and the use of wood and dung for cooking and heating. In rural areas, biomass burning for cooking and warmth is a significant source of pollution. The burning of fossil fuels such as coal and oil, and biomass such as wood, charcoal, and crop residues, are the most common sources of PM2.5. Additionally, windblown dust, including natural dust and that from construction, roads, and industrial plants, contributes to PM2.5 levels.

Vehicular emissions are a significant source of air pollution in India, with vehicles emitting 4 to 8 times more pollutants in heavy traffic. The adulteration of fuel blends with lower-priced hydrocarbons is common in Indian transport, increasing emissions of harmful pollutants. India's rapid economic growth and development are also associated with its air pollution crisis.

The Indian government has acknowledged the issue and demonstrated a commitment to addressing it. In 2019, India declared a "war against pollution" and launched its National Clean Air Programme (NCAP), aiming to reduce particulate pollution by 20-30% by 2024. The government has also implemented the Smart City Mission, aiming to develop 100 citizen-friendly and sustainable cities.

Frequently asked questions

India's air pollution is caused by a variety of sources, both internal and external to the country. While there is no data specifying the exact contribution of other countries to India's air pollution, it is safe to assume that some level of pollution does blow in from neighbouring countries.

The main sources of air pollution in India are industrial and vehicular emissions, construction dust and debris, the burning of wood and biomass, and crop residue burning.

Air pollution has a significant negative impact on India's economy. In 2019, the economic losses due to premature deaths and morbidity associated with air pollution were estimated to be US$28.8 billion.

The Indian government has launched several initiatives to combat air pollution, including the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP), which aims to reduce particulate pollution, and the Smart City Mission, which aims to develop 100 citizen-friendly and sustainable cities.

Air pollution is a major health risk in India, contributing to premature deaths and respiratory issues such as asthma. It is estimated that air pollution shortens the life expectancy of an average Indian by 5.3 years.

Written by
Reviewed by
Share this post
Print
Did this article help you?

Leave a comment