Air Pollution In India: A Critical Analysis

Air pollution is a pressing issue in India, with the country ranking among the most polluted globally. In 2019, 21 of the 30 most polluted cities in the world were in India, and at least 140 million Indians breathe air that exceeds the safe limit recommended by the World Health Organization. The main sources of air pollution in India include industrial and vehicular emissions, construction dust, thermal power usage, waste burning, and the use of wood and dung for cooking and heating by low-income and rural households. These factors have severe health implications, causing approximately 2 million deaths annually in India, largely due to respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. To combat this issue, India has implemented initiatives such as the National Clean Air Program, which aims to reduce particulate matter pollution by 20-30% by 2024, and is exploring renewable energy sources and electric vehicles.

India's air pollution levels are among the highest in the world

The main contributors to India's air pollution are industrial and vehicular emissions, construction dust, and the burning of waste and biomass. In 2019, 51% of India's air pollution was caused by industrial pollution, 27% by vehicles, 17% by crop burning, and 5% by other sources. The use of fuelwood and biomass cakes for cooking and heating is prevalent in over 100 million households in India. These sources of fuel are much more polluting than cleaner alternatives like liquefied petroleum gas.

Air pollution has severe health impacts in India, causing more than 2 million deaths annually. The health consequences include respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, lung cancer, stroke, asthma, bronchial infections, cardiac arrest, and gastrointestinal problems. The economic impact is also significant, with an estimated loss of $28.8 billion in output in 2019 due to worsening air pollution.

Recognising the severity of the issue, India has taken several significant steps to address air pollution. The government has strengthened vehicular and industrial emission standards and is promoting renewable energy and electric vehicles. The National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) aims to reduce particulate matter pollution by 20-30% by 2024. Additionally, the government has set aside $1.7 billion to combat air pollution in 42 cities with populations over one million.

The impact of air pollution on health

India is one of the most polluted countries in the world, with air pollution levels that pose a heavy threat to the country's health and economy. The country's geography, with its mountainous borders, traps air and pollutants, especially during the colder months. The impact of air pollution on health in India is significant and wide-ranging.

Mortality and Morbidity

Air pollution is a leading cause of premature death and disease in India, with an estimated 1.67 million deaths attributable to it in 2019, accounting for 17.8% of total deaths in the country. This figure translates to $36.8 billion in economic losses in the same year. The high burden of death and disease due to air pollution is a significant challenge for India's economy, impacting productivity, labour supply, healthcare expenditures, and welfare.

Respiratory Illness

Air pollution is a key driver of respiratory illness in India, particularly among children under five years old. High ambient air pollution exposure has been linked to worse lung function, higher rates of respiratory symptoms, and increased hospital visits in young children. Airborne particulate matter aggravates the respiratory system, increasing susceptibility to infections. Poor housing conditions, overcrowding, unsafe cooking fuel, and unsafe water have also been associated with a higher likelihood of respiratory symptoms and infections.

Cardiovascular Diseases

Exposure to air pollutants, specifically PM2.5, can cause deadly illnesses such as lung cancer, stroke, and heart disease. The impact of air pollution on cardiovascular health is a significant concern, with lung diseases, COPD, asthma, bronchial infections, and cardiac arrest being common health issues in the country.

Thermal Discomfort and Heat-related Health Issues

Climate change and air pollution are interlinked, and the intensification of heatwaves due to climate change has led to elevated temperature levels, causing thermal discomfort and health issues for urban residents. The growing urban population, industrialization, and vehicular traffic contribute to increased pollutant emissions and aerosol loads in the atmosphere, further exacerbating the problem.

Socio-economic Impact

The Indian government has recognized the urgency of addressing air pollution and is taking significant steps, such as the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP), to improve air quality and mitigate the health impacts of air pollution on its citizens.

The economic impact of air pollution

India is one of the most polluted countries in the world. All 1.4 billion people in India are exposed to unhealthy levels of ambient PM 2.5, which is the most harmful pollutant. These small particulates, with a diameter of less than 2.5 microns, are about one-thirtieth the width of a human hair. Exposure to PM 2.5 can cause deadly illnesses such as lung cancer, stroke, and heart disease. In 2019, 1.67 million people died in India due to air pollution, accounting for 17.8% of the total deaths in the country.

The high burden of death and disease due to air pollution and its associated substantial adverse economic impact from the loss of output could impede India's aspiration to be a $5 trillion economy by 2024. However, 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. For example, if India had achieved safe air quality levels in 2019, its GDP would have increased by $95 billion due to lower rates of absenteeism from work, higher productivity at work, higher consumer footfall, and fewer premature deaths.

India is taking significant steps to address its air pollution problem. The Government of India has set aside about $1.7 billion to fight air pollution over the next five years for the 42 Indian cities with million-plus populations, provided they reduce their air pollution levels by 15% every year. The government is also revising ambient air quality standards and strengthening vehicular and industrial emission standards. In addition, there is a strong emphasis on expanding renewable energy, promoting electric vehicles, and supplying LPG cooking fuel to millions of households.

To effectively combat air pollution in India, a multi-sectoral and multi-jurisdictional approach is required, as the formation and transportation of primary and secondary particles occur over large geographic areas. India needs to look beyond its cities and take action at the sub-national level, applying new tools for airshed-based management. Standardizing tools and data sets across India is important for effective control strategies.

The role of the private sector in combatting air pollution

India is one of the most polluted countries in the world, with 1.67 million deaths attributable to air pollution in 2019. The country's air pollution levels are among the highest in the world, posing a heavy threat to the country's health and economy. India's National Clean Air Program aims to reduce particulate matter pollution by 30% by 2024.

The private sector plays a crucial role in combatting air pollution in India, but businesses' engagement with the issue has been minimal. The Confederation of Indian Industry's CEO Forum for Clean Air is a national platform that brings business leaders together to catalyse cross-sector change. The Clean Air Fund has also been instrumental in empowering healthcare professionals and amplifying health voices in the clean air movement.

The private sector can address the interrelated challenges of air pollution and the climate crisis through Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) investments. With its technical expertise, sector-specific knowledge, and ability to innovate, the private sector can devise effective long-term solutions to the government's lack of technological solutions and large-scale monitoring.

To combat air pollution in India, the government must devise a robust multi-pronged strategy that aggressively targets emission reduction from key polluting sectors such as agriculture, industry, thermal power plants, and transportation. The private sector, as a key stakeholder, can play a critical role in addressing air pollution by reducing India's dependence on fossil fuels and promoting the use of clean fuel.

Additionally, the private sector can support the development of multi-sectoral strategies to reduce air pollution in alignment with the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP). This includes promoting the transition to zero-emission vehicles, addressing the issue of vehicle emissions, and supporting state authorities in implementing effective air pollution control strategies.

India's initiatives to reduce air pollution

India is one of the most polluted countries in the world, with its 1.4 billion people exposed to unhealthy levels of ambient PM 2.5, the most harmful pollutant. Air pollution causes about 1.67 million deaths in India annually, leading to staggering economic losses. It also causes health problems like respiratory and cardiovascular diseases.

To combat this, India has launched the National Clean Air Program (NCAP) to reduce particulate matter pollution by 30% by 2024. The NCAP provides an overall framework for developing air quality management plans, with guidance on policies across a range of sectors. The government has also strengthened vehicular and industrial emission standards, with a strong emphasis on expanding renewable energy, promoting electric vehicles, and supplying LPG cooking fuel to households.

Several Indian cities have also activated the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) to combat poor air quality. Stage I of GRAP includes dust mitigation at construction sites, effective waste management, and regular road cleaning. Another noteworthy initiative is the use of bio-decomposers to combat stubble burning, a significant contributor to winter pollution.

India is also working on transitioning to renewable energy sources, with an ambitious target of 500 GW of energy from renewable sources by 2030. As of March 2024, it has already achieved 190 GW. Additionally, the Delhi Metro has reduced its dependence on coal by meeting 60% of its daytime energy requirements through solar power.

The Clean Air Fund is also working with the government, businesses, and the public to help India reach its clean air goals. The India CEO Forum for Clean Air has 70 members, including major Indian businesses Wipro and Mahindra Group, who are part of the Clean Air Alliance.

Other initiatives include the use of remote sensing technology to measure vehicle emissions in real time, community-led air quality monitoring, green infrastructure initiatives, art and awareness campaigns, mobile health clinics, and innovative clean cooking solutions.

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