Air Pollution In India: A Global Concern

Air pollution in India is a pressing issue, with the country home to 21 of the world's 30 most polluted cities. The air pollution levels in India are among the highest in the world, and it is a major cause for concern, impacting the health and economy of the country. India's air pollution is a global issue because it contributes to climate change, with the country emitting 7% of global emissions, and its effects are felt beyond its borders. India's emissions come from a range of sources, including industrial and vehicular emissions, construction, thermal power plants, waste burning, and the use of solid fuels for cooking and heating. These emissions contain harmful pollutants, including particulate matter, carbon monoxide, and nitrogen dioxide, which have been linked to various diseases and premature deaths in India and worldwide.

India's air pollution is a global issue because it is a leading cause of premature deaths and diseases

The health impacts of air pollution in India are significant, with diseases such as lung cancer, stroke, heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and respiratory infections being commonly linked to air pollution. In fact, 40% of the disease burden due to air pollution is from lung diseases, while the remaining 60% includes ischemic heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and neonatal deaths related to pre-term birth. These diseases and premature deaths have economic impacts as well, with India facing economic losses of up to $36.8 billion in 2019 due to lost output from premature deaths and morbidity attributable to air pollution. This amounts to 1.36% of India's gross domestic product (GDP) and impedes the country's economic aspirations.

The air pollution problem in India is not isolated but is a global issue due to its far-reaching consequences. Firstly, the pollution sources are diverse and multi-jurisdictional, with agricultural, industrial, power plant, household, and transportation activities all contributing significantly. This means that addressing air pollution requires coordination between different sectors and regions. Secondly, the impact of India's air pollution extends beyond its borders as the pollutants can spread across jurisdictions. For example, secondary PM 2.5 emissions, formed when gaseous pollutants from different areas mix in the upper atmosphere, can travel across states and cities, affecting air quality in other regions.

Recognizing the severity of the problem, India has been taking steps to address air pollution. The country has developed country-specific targets and indicators in line with the Global Action Plan and Monitoring Framework for the prevention and control of non-communicable diseases. Additionally, India has implemented programs like the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojna to improve access to clean energy options like LPG at the household level, particularly for marginalized sections of society. The World Bank is also supporting Indian cities and states in implementing state and regional airshed plans for cleaner air, focusing on developing institutional capabilities and implementing necessary systems. These efforts aim to reduce India's air pollution within a single generation and mitigate its global impact.

India's air pollution disproportionately affects women, newborns, and young children

Newborns and Young Children

Air pollution in India has been linked to various adverse health outcomes in newborns and young children. Research has found that exposure to air pollution during pregnancy can result in low birth weight, stillbirth, preterm birth, developmental delays, growth failure, and an increased risk of anemia. In addition, air pollution contributes to poor respiratory and cardiovascular health in children, with asthma being a common issue. The impact of air pollution on children's health can also lead to economic costs, as families may struggle with medical expenses and reduced earning capacity.

Furthermore, indoor air pollution, particularly from cooking fuels, poses a significant risk to young children. Studies have shown that acute respiratory infections in children under five years of age are associated with indoor pollution sources. The long-term effects of air pollution on children's health can be severe, and the developing immune system of children makes them especially susceptible to the harmful effects of pollutants.

Women

Women in India are also disproportionately affected by air pollution, especially during pregnancy and the postpartum period. Physiological changes during pregnancy increase the chances of adverse outcomes, such as miscarriages, premature birth, and poor maternal health. Indoor air pollution from cooking fuels further exacerbates the problem, as many women in India have weakened respiratory systems due to exposure to wood and dung smoke.

Additionally, air pollution impacts bone-density loss in post-menopausal women, and they are more susceptible to respiratory illnesses. The consequences of air pollution on women's health can hinder their economic independence and labour force participation. As caregivers, women bear the burden of caring for sick family members, which can limit their ability to work and contribute to the economy.

The Indian government has recognized the severity of the air pollution problem and is working towards implementing state and regional airshed plans to improve air quality. However, a stronger, coordinated multi-sectoral approach is needed to effectively minimize the health and economic burden of air pollution on India's most vulnerable populations.

India's air pollution is caused by industrial and vehicular emissions, construction, thermal power, waste burning, and the use of solid fuels

India's air pollution is a serious environmental issue, with 21 of the 30 most polluted cities in the world located in India in 2019. A study based on 2016 data revealed that at least 140 million people in India breathe air that is 10 times or more than the WHO safe limit. India's particulate air pollution is caused by a combination of industrial and vehicular emissions, construction dust and debris, thermal power usage, waste burning, and the use of solid fuels.

Industrial pollution and vehicular emissions are the primary contributors, accounting for 51% and 27% of India's air pollution, respectively. Industrial activities release pollutants into the atmosphere, including emissions from power plants and factories. In addition, vehicles, particularly those running on adulterated fuel blends, emit harmful pollutants such as hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide, and particulate matter. Traffic congestion exacerbates this problem, as vehicles burn fuel inefficiently and pollute more when stuck in traffic.

Construction dust and debris significantly impact India's air quality. The construction industry generates dust and debris, contributing to particulate air pollution. In 2017, the Indian government ordered the cessation of construction activities in New Delhi to tackle the severe air pollution levels in the city.

India's dependence on thermal power for electricity generation also plays a role in air pollution. The burning of fossil fuels, such as coal, releases greenhouse gases and contributes to the country's carbon emissions. India is the third-largest producer of greenhouse gases globally, despite having a low per capita emission rate.

Waste burning, including crop residue burning and the disposal of refuse, is another significant source of air pollution in India. During the autumn and spring months, large-scale crop residue burning in agricultural fields creates smoke, smog, and particulate pollution. Additionally, the burning of biomass, fuel wood, and agricultural waste for cooking and heating in rural and urban areas contributes to the haze and smoke observed over the country.

The use of solid fuels, such as wood, charcoal, crop residues, and dung, for cooking and heating is prevalent in India, especially in rural areas. These solid fuels are often burned in inefficient cookstoves called "chulha," releasing toxic gases and contributing to indoor air pollution. The World Health Organization estimates that 300,000 to 400,000 people die annually in India due to indoor air pollution and carbon monoxide poisoning from using these solid fuels.

The consequences of air pollution in India are dire, with approximately 1.67 million deaths attributed to air pollution in 2019. It is the leading environmental health threat in the country, causing premature deaths and contributing to various diseases, including respiratory infections and cardiovascular issues. The economic impact is also significant, with air pollution resulting in a loss of output and increased health care costs.

India's air pollution has economic impacts, causing a loss of $36.8 billion in 2019, or 1.36% of its GDP

India's air pollution has significant economic implications, causing a substantial loss of $36.8 billion in 2019, equivalent to 1.36% of the country's gross domestic product (GDP). This economic impact is primarily due to the loss of output resulting from premature deaths and morbidity linked to air pollution.

The economic burden of air pollution in India is distributed unevenly across the states, with the proportion of loss relative to state GDP varying 3.2 times between them. The states of Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Chhattisgarh, which have lower per-capita GDPs, experienced the highest economic losses as a proportion of their GDP, ranging from 2.15% to 0.67%. In contrast, Delhi recorded the highest per-capita economic loss due to air pollution, followed by Haryana, with a 5.4 times variation across all states.

The economic losses attributed to premature deaths caused by air pollution amounted to $28.8 billion, while the cost associated with morbidity was $8 billion. The health consequences of air pollution, including lung diseases, ischaemic heart disease, stroke, diabetes, neonatal disorders, and cataracts, further exacerbated the economic burden.

The adverse economic impact of air pollution in India underscores the urgency of implementing effective measures to reduce pollution levels. India's aspiration to become a $5 trillion economy by 2024 could be hindered by the significant economic losses resulting from air pollution-related deaths and diseases. Therefore, addressing this issue through state-specific strategies is crucial for the country's economic growth and the well-being of its citizens.

Moreover, air pollution in India is not just a local problem; it has global implications. The pollution levels in India significantly contribute to the overall global pollution, and with the potential for pollutants to travel across borders, the issue becomes transnational. This highlights the need for international collaboration and a global approach to combat air pollution, ensuring that the efforts made by one country are not undermined by the actions of another.

India's air pollution is being addressed through government initiatives, such as the National Clean Air Programme, and international support from organisations like the World Bank and Clean Air Fund

India's hazardous air pollution levels have resulted in a major public health crisis, with approximately 1.67 million deaths attributable to air pollution in 2019, accounting for 17.8% of total deaths in the country. The economic losses due to premature deaths and morbidity were estimated at a staggering $36.8 billion, equivalent to 1.36% of India's GDP. To combat this pressing issue, India has undertaken several initiatives, including the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP), and received international support from organizations such as the World Bank and the Clean Air Fund.

The National Clean Air Programme, established by India's central government in 2019, aims to reduce particulate matter pollution by 20% to 30% by 2024. The programme focuses on 122 cities with air quality worse than the National Ambient Air Quality Standards. The NCAP involves monitoring and tracking air quality through a technology-based system, improving public awareness, encouraging the use of cleaner technologies, and promoting sustainable practices.

The World Bank has been instrumental in aiding India's efforts to improve air quality. Through its Country Partnership Framework, the World Bank has introduced tools for airshed management and planning to support state and regional air quality management approaches. These initiatives aim to facilitate the formulation of India's first State-wide Air Quality Action Plans and a comprehensive Regional Airshed Action Plan for the Indo Gangetic Plains (IGP), covering seven union territories and states. The World Bank's strategy involves enhancing knowledge, building capacity, involving stakeholders, transferring expertise, facilitating policy adjustments, and mobilizing finances.

The Clean Air Fund, a philanthropic initiative, has pledged $90 million towards climate and health efforts, including tackling air pollution. They work with various stakeholders, including governments, funders, businesses, and campaigners, to drive change and deliver clean air globally. The Clean Air Fund provides global analyses, recommendations, and toolkits to guide development finance institutions in integrating air quality improvements into development projects.

Through these government initiatives and international support, India is making significant strides towards addressing its air pollution crisis. These collaborative efforts are vital to curbing the hazardous levels of air pollution, reducing health risks, and mitigating the economic impacts associated with poor air quality.

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