Air Pollution In India: A Critical Concern?

India is one of the world's most polluted countries, with air pollution causing over a million premature deaths annually. The nation's fast-growing economy is linked to this pollution, which is a pressing public health concern. India's air pollution challenge is multifaceted, with industrial and vehicular emissions, construction dust and debris, and the burning of wood and dirty fuels for cooking and heating being the main contributors. The government has acknowledged the problem and is taking steps to address it, including the National Clean Air Programme, which aims to improve air quality across the country. However, most Indian cities lack the technological and infrastructural capabilities to implement stringent measures.

India's air pollution is a multi-sectoral and multi-jurisdictional issue

India's air pollution is a multifaceted issue that spans rural and urban areas, affecting both local and national jurisdictions. It is a public health crisis that demands urgent action, with over a million premature deaths attributed to air pollution annually. The problem is not limited to India but also impacts neighbouring countries such as Pakistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, and Nepal.

The sources of air pollution in India are diverse and multi-sectoral, including industrial emissions, vehicular emissions, construction dust and debris, the burning of biomass and dirty fuels for cooking and heating, tyre pyrolysis plants, and thermal power plants. These sources contribute to high levels of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) pollution, which is a dangerous form of air pollution. India's fast-growing economy, rural and urban energy use, and climate change are also exacerbating the issue.

To address this complex problem, India has implemented various strategies. The National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) has set time-bound goals for improving air quality across the country, with a focus on 132 "non-attainment" cities that do not meet air pollution standards. The Indian government has also allocated funding to combat air pollution in cities with million-plus populations. Additionally, India's Parliament approved a law in 2021 to establish the Commission of Air Quality Management in the National Capital Region and adjoining areas, recognizing the need for cross-jurisdictional coordination.

The India Lighthouse initiative has facilitated the exchange of expertise between Indian and international experts to develop India-specific practices for better understanding, management, and control of air pollution. The Clean Air Fund, in collaboration with various organizations, is also working towards India's clean air goals by empowering healthcare professionals and businesses to take action.

Standardizing tools and strategies across India is crucial, as air pollution does not respect jurisdictional boundaries. Collaborative efforts between states and regions are essential to effectively reduce pollution levels, as individual cities alone cannot achieve substantial reductions by eliminating local emissions. India's air pollution challenge requires a comprehensive and coordinated approach involving various sectors, jurisdictions, and stakeholders to bring about meaningful change.

The impact of air pollution on public health in India

India is one of the world's most polluted countries, with New Delhi being the most polluted capital city globally. The country emits about 3 gigatonnes of CO2eq of greenhouse gases annually, which is around two and a half tons per person, contributing to 7% of global emissions despite having 17% of the world's population. India's rapid economic growth and development have been accompanied by a significant increase in air pollution over the past decade.

The health consequences of air pollution in India include respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, with asthma being the most common health problem. Exposure to air pollution during pregnancy and childhood is associated with an increased risk of asthma, impaired lung development, and long-term respiratory issues, potentially leading to reduced life expectancy. Air pollution has also been linked to low birth weight, stillbirth, preterm birth, developmental delays, growth failure, and a higher risk of anemia. The Global Burden of Disease Study of 2017 further highlighted the impact of air pollution on child health, with over two million children in Delhi exhibiting abnormalities in their lung function.

The economic implications of air pollution in India are also significant. Diseases caused by air pollution result in reduced productivity, decreased labour supply, increased healthcare expenditures, and lost welfare. If India had achieved safe air quality levels in 2019, its GDP would have increased by $95 billion due to improved work attendance, higher productivity, increased consumer spending, and reduced premature deaths.

To address the public health crisis caused by air pollution, India has implemented various measures. The government launched the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP), setting time-bound goals for improving air quality across the country, with a focus on 132 cities that do not meet air pollution standards. India has also established the Commission for Air Quality Management in the National Capital Region and adjoining areas, recognizing the need for cross-jurisdictional collaboration. Additionally, India introduced the Air Quality Index (AQI) tool to communicate air quality levels to the public and raise awareness about the health impacts of air pollution.

Community-led initiatives and innovative solutions are also being explored to combat air pollution and improve public health. These include community-led air quality monitoring, green infrastructure initiatives, art and awareness campaigns, mobile health clinics, and the promotion of clean cooking solutions. India is also collaborating with international organizations and experts to develop effective strategies and management tools to address this complex issue.

The economic impact of air pollution in India

India is one of the world's most polluted countries, with New Delhi being the most polluted capital city globally. The country's fast-growing economy is associated with the challenge of air pollution, which is a significant problem. India emits about 3 gigatonnes of CO2eq of greenhouse gases annually, with emissions per person being less than the world average. However, with 17% of the world's population, India accounts for 7% of global emissions.

The majority of the economic losses were due to ambient particulate matter pollution ($28.8 billion) and household air pollution ($8 billion). The death rate due to household air pollution decreased by 64.2% from 1990 to 2019, while that due to ambient particulate matter pollution increased by 115.3% over the same period. Lost output from premature deaths and morbidity attributable to air pollution accounted for economic losses of $36.8 billion in India in 2019, with 1.67 million deaths attributable to air pollution that year, accounting for 17.8% of total deaths in the country.

India's air pollution levels are among the highest in the world, posing a severe threat to the country's health and economy. All of India's 1.4 billion people are exposed to unhealthy levels of ambient PM 2.5, which is the most harmful pollutant. Exposure to PM 2.5 is linked to deadly illnesses such as lung cancer, stroke, and heart disease. Successful reduction of air pollution in India through state-specific strategies would lead to substantial benefits for both the health of the population and the economy.

India's air pollution control strategies

India's air pollution problem is caused by a combination of natural and anthropogenic sources. The main contributors to India's air pollution include industrial and vehicular emissions, construction dust and debris, dependence on thermal power for electricity, waste burning, and the use of wood and dung for cooking and heating by low-income and rural households. Air pollution in India has severe health, environmental, and economic implications. It causes more than 2 million deaths a year in India, including premature deaths, and leads to health problems like respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. It also damages ecosystems, including forests, water bodies, and wildlife habitats. Moreover, poor air quality can discourage foreign investment and reduce tourism, hindering the country's economic development.

Recognizing the urgency of the problem, India has implemented various strategies to address air pollution. Here are some of India's key air pollution control strategies:

• The National Clean Air Programme (NCAP): The Indian government launched the NCAP in 2019 to combat air pollution comprehensively. The programme aims to reduce particulate matter (PM) concentrations by 20-30% by 2024 through source apportionment studies in cities nationwide. The NCAP provides an overall framework for cities to develop air quality management plans and offers guidance on policies across various sectors.
• Emission Standards and Renewable Energy: The government has formulated emission standards for industries and vehicles to control pollution levels. India is also transitioning to renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, and hydropower. The country has set an ambitious target of generating 500 GW of energy from renewable sources by 2030, with significant progress already made.
• Restrictions on Crop Burning: The government has implemented restrictions on crop burning, a major source of air pollution during the autumn and spring months in rural areas.
• Clean Air Fund and International Collaboration: India is working with organizations like the Clean Air Fund and the World Bank to address air pollution. The Clean Air Fund collaborates with the government, businesses, and the public to achieve India's clean air goals, while the World Bank provides expertise and knowledge transfer through its Country Partnership Framework.
• Commission for Air Quality Management: In August 2021, India's Parliament approved a law to establish the Commission for Air Quality Management in the National Capital Region and adjoining areas. This commission aims to tackle hazardous levels of air pollution through coordination across local and national jurisdictional boundaries.
• India Lighthouse Initiative: This initiative brings together experts from India and worldwide to develop India-specific practices and tools to better understand, manage, and control air pollution.
• India CEO Forum for Clean Air: This forum, with over 70 members, aims to engage businesses in tackling air pollution. Two major Indian businesses, Wipro and Mahindra Group, are part of the Clean Air Alliance, working towards ensuring clean and healthy air.
• Solar-Energy Revolution: India is spearheading a shift towards solar energy. For example, the Delhi Metro now meets 60% of its daytime energy requirements through solar power, reducing its dependence on coal.

India's air pollution as a global issue

India's air pollution is a global issue that spans both rural and urban areas, threatening the health and well-being of its population and impacting neighbouring countries. According to the non-profit Health Effects Institute, over a million Indians die prematurely each year due to air pollution, with respiratory and cardiovascular diseases being the leading causes. The problem is multifaceted, with industrial and vehicular emissions, construction, thermal power plants, waste burning, and the use of traditional fuels like wood and dung for cooking and heating being major contributors. India's fast-growing economy, climate change, and geographical factors also play a role in exacerbating the issue.

Recognising the urgency of the situation, India's Parliament approved the establishment of the Commission of Air Quality Management in 2021 to address hazardous levels of air pollution in the National Capital Region and surrounding areas. The Government of India has also implemented the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP), setting time-bound goals for improving air quality, particularly in 132 cities that fail to meet standards. This includes a performance-based funding programme to incentivise cities to reduce air pollution. India is further addressing the issue through cross-jurisdictional collaboration, knowledge exchange, and capacity-building with initiatives like the India Lighthouse project and the India CEO Forum for Clean Air.

Despite some progress, air pollution remains a persistent challenge. A recent report by Climate Trends revealed high levels of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) across the country, indicating that it is a nationwide issue and not confined to specific urban regions. The northern and eastern regions have shown more significant improvements, with Uttar Pradesh making remarkable progress in reducing PM2.5 levels. However, air quality apps and monitors are mostly available in major cities, limiting data availability in smaller cities and rural areas. As a result, residents may need to rely on portable air quality monitors to assess their local air quality.

The impact of India's air pollution extends beyond its borders, affecting neighbouring countries such as Pakistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, and Nepal. The southern part of India is also impacted by air pollution carried by winds across the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal. India's air pollution contributes to global climate change, emitting about 3 gigatonnes of greenhouse gases annually, which is about 7% of global emissions.

Addressing India's air pollution requires a multi-sectoral and multi-jurisdictional approach, as air quality within an "airshed" (a region sharing a common flow of air) depends on pollution sources within it. Collaborative efforts between states and standardising tools across the country are crucial for effective air pollution control strategies. India's efforts to combat air pollution are vital not only for the health and well-being of its citizens but also for the global environment.

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