Air Pollution In India: Understanding The Root Causes

Air pollution is a pressing issue in India, with the country's 1.4 billion people exposed to unhealthy levels of ambient PM 2.5, the most harmful pollutant. In 2019, India had 21 cities in the list of the 30 most polluted cities globally, and 13 of the world's 20 most annually polluted cities. The main causes of India's air pollution include industrial and vehicular emissions, construction dust, thermal power dependence, waste burning, and the use of wood and dung for cooking and heating in low-income and rural households. These sources of pollution have severe health and economic impacts, causing an estimated 1.67 million premature deaths in 2019, with economic losses of US$36.8 billion.

Industrial and vehicular emissions

Vehicles are responsible for 27% of India's air pollution. Taxis and auto-rickshaws often run on adulterated fuel blends, which increase emissions of harmful pollutants. Financial incentives are the primary cause of fuel adulteration, as drivers blend cheaper hydrocarbons into highly-taxed fuels to save money. This practice increases tailpipe emissions of hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide, oxides of nitrogen, and particulate matter. The higher sulfur levels of kerosene, a common adulterant, are also an issue. Severe traffic congestion in India's cities and towns further exacerbates the problem.

Industrial pollution is responsible for 51% of India's air pollution. Agriculture, industry, power plants, and transport all contribute significantly to the formation of secondary PM2.5, a dangerous form of air pollution. India's reliance on thermal power for electricity is a major contributor to industrial emissions.

Construction dust and debris

The Indian government has implemented several measures to reduce air pollution from the construction sector. The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has put into action the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) in Delhi NCR to regulate air pollution levels. This plan targets high-polluting sectors, including construction, and imposes restrictions on their activity during times of high pollution. For example, during the earlier stages of poor air quality, the government may enforce the use of anti-smog guns, water sprinklers, and dust suppression measures in construction sites. In the fourth 'severe' stage, the government may impose blanket bans on construction activities to improve local or regional air quality.

The Council on Energy, Environment and Water (CEEW) has also initiated a pilot study with Signature Global (India) Ltd at a construction site in Gurugram to evaluate the intensity of dust emissions from different construction activities and the effectiveness of mitigation measures. Certain activities, such as excavation, demolition, earth filling, material transportation, and vehicle movement on unpaved roads, generate high dust emissions and increase air pollution levels in and around the site.

The Delhi government has also launched a web portal to facilitate self-monitoring of compliance with dust control guidelines. This portal requires construction project proponents to self-audit and upload their compliance reports fortnightly, allowing for easier monitoring and enforcement, with provisions for scoring compliance and imposing fines if guidelines are violated.

Thermal power dependence

India's dependence on thermal power for electricity is a significant contributor to its poor air quality. In 2020, coal-based power accounted for 205 GW of India's energy capacity, and this is expected to increase to 266 GW by 2030. Coal-fired thermal power plants (TPP) are responsible for 60% of sulphur emissions and over 80% of mercury emissions among all industries. The Ministry of Power in India has stated that 80% of the country's electricity requirements are met by coal-based power plants.

The health risks posed by thermal power plants are significant. Exposure to pollutants and toxic metals released from these plants can cause neurological and renal disorders, endocrine disruption, cancer, hypertension, and cardiovascular issues. The number of deaths linked to coal-based power plant pollution is estimated at 115,000 per year, with negative impacts on the respiratory system, cardiovascular disease, and neurological effects. By 2030, the total premature mortality attributable to pollution from coal power plants is expected to grow by 2-3 times annually, with a projected 42.7 million asthma cases linked to emissions.

Fly ash, a by-product of coal combustion, is another major concern. Approximately 217 million tons of ash are released into the air annually, with 49 million tons dumped in landfill sites, polluting the environment and posing risks to human health. The chemical composition of fly ash varies between plants, depending on geological factors and operating procedures. Despite initiatives to increase fly ash utilisation, it is still not appropriately managed in most states.

The Indian government has recognised the urgent need to address air pollution and has approved laws to establish the Commission of Air Quality Management in the National Capital Region and adjoining areas. To reduce emissions from thermal power plants, stronger regulations, cleaner oils, and advanced technologies are required.

Waste and biomass burning

India's air pollution levels are among the highest in the world, threatening the country's health and economy. In 2019, 1.67 million deaths were attributed to air pollution in India, accounting for 17.8% of total deaths in the country. 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.

The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that 300,000 to 400,000 people die of indoor air pollution and carbon monoxide poisoning in India due to biomass burning and the use of chulhas. Additionally, small interventions, such as burning crop residue one hour earlier in the day, can have broad public health benefits, potentially averting thousands of premature deaths annually.

Biomass burning also contributes to the formation of secondary particulate matter (PM2.5), which spreads farther and wider than primary PM2.5 and travels across states and cities. All of India's 1.4 billion people are exposed to unhealthy levels of ambient PM2.5, which is the most harmful pollutant and is responsible for deadly illnesses such as lung cancer, stroke, and heart disease.

To address the issue of waste and biomass burning, India's government has implemented various programmes and policies. These include the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojna, which aims to improve access to clean energy options like LPG for marginalised households. Additionally, India's Parliament approved a law in August 2021 to establish the Commission of Air Quality Management in the National Capital Region and adjoining areas, recognising the need for cross-jurisdictional coordination to curb air pollution effectively.

Poor waste management

India's waste management system is facing several challenges that are contributing to the country's air pollution crisis. One of the main issues is the lack of adequate infrastructure and resources for waste management. There is a scarcity of waste management facilities, leading to residents dumping trash on streets or in open fields. This lack of access to landfills results in valuable resources, such as organic material, being wasted. The country also has a limited number of garbage collectors, making it difficult to handle the vast amounts of litter and garbage produced.

The recycling infrastructure in India is also inadequate, with a significant amount of garbage ending up in landfills or polluting rivers. The municipalities struggle with sorting recyclable materials, and India's recycling rate is only 18%, well below the global average of 35%. This means valuable materials, such as aluminum and plastics, often end up in landfills instead of being recycled. Additionally, cultural practices, such as the rural tradition of burying trash and the Hindu practice of burning trash, pose challenges to uniform waste management policies.

The Indian government has introduced solid waste management rules and initiatives, such as the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan (Clean India Mission), but enforcement and progress have been lacking. The government has also recommended converting landfills into parks and installing more waste-to-compost plants, but these plans are yet to be fully implemented. The inadequate waste management practices have led to environmental degradation, public health concerns, and economic losses.

The health impacts of air pollution, caused in part by poor waste management, are significant. In 2019, an estimated 1.67 million deaths were attributed to air pollution in India, accounting for 17.8% of total deaths in the country. The economic losses due to premature deaths and morbidity associated with air pollution were estimated at US$28.8 billion in 2019.

To address these issues, India needs to invest in innovative technologies, improve recycling infrastructure, and raise awareness about proper waste handling among its citizens. By implementing efficient and sustainable waste management practices, India can reduce the environmental and public health risks associated with poor waste management.

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