Air Pollution In India: A Critical Analysis

Air pollution is a critical issue in India, with the country ranking as the world's third-largest producer of greenhouse gases. The National Air Quality Index (AQI) categorises air quality into six levels: Good, Satisfactory, Moderately Polluted, Poor, Very Poor, and Severe. As of May 2025, India's AQI was 98, considered moderate, with real-time air pollution levels of PM2.5 at 33µg/m³ and PM10 at 99µg/m³. India's air pollution has severe health impacts, causing approximately 670,000 deaths annually, with respiratory and cardiovascular issues being common consequences.

Air Quality Index (AQI)

India has been ranked as the world's third-largest producer of greenhouse gases, and in 2019, 21 out of the 30 most polluted cities in the world were in India. This means serious health problems for most of the country. Over 2 million Indians lose their lives due to causes attributed to air pollution. The main sources of air pollution in India are industry, vehicles, crop burning, and domestic cooking.

The Air Quality Index (AQI) is a tool used to communicate the level of pollution in the air. It is a numerical value that helps people understand how polluted the air is at any given time. The higher the AQI value, the more polluted the air is. Different countries have different AQI classifications, but generally, they range from Good to Hazardous. For example, on a particular day in May 2025, India's AQI was 98, which is classified as Moderate.

The AQI takes into account various pollutants, including particulate matter (PM), carbon monoxide (CO), sulphur dioxide (SO2), and nitrogen dioxide (NO2). Each pollutant has a specific weight in the calculation of the AQI, and the AQI value is typically represented as a single number.

In India, the AQI is calculated by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and takes into account eight pollutants: PM10, PM2.5, NO2, CO, SO2, ozone (O3), ammonia (NH3), and lead (Pb). The CPCB has established a colour-coded system to represent different AQI ranges, with green representing a 'Good' AQI level, and purple representing a 'Hazardous' level. The AQI values and their corresponding categories are as follows: 0-50 (Good), 51-100 (Satisfactory), 101-200 (Moderately polluted), 201-300 (Poor), 301-400 (Very Poor), and 401-500 (Severe).

The Indian government has implemented various measures to combat air pollution and improve the AQI, including the National Clean Air Program (NCAP) inaugurated in 2019. Other initiatives include the reduction of sulphur in diesel fuel, the introduction of cleaner fuels like Liquid Natural Gas (LNG), and the "odd/even" rule for cars in New Delhi.

Causes of air pollution

India is one of the world's most polluted countries, with New Delhi being the most polluted capital city globally. In 2019, India had 21 of the world's 30 most polluted cities. India's air pollution is a serious environmental issue and a pressing public health threat. It is a complex, multi-sectoral, and multi-jurisdictional challenge that requires a comprehensive and coordinated response. Here are the key causes of air pollution in India:

Industrial Emissions and Vehicular Pollution

India's rapid industrialization and urbanization have led to a significant increase in industrial and vehicular emissions. In 2019, 51% of India's air pollution was caused by industrial pollution, with thermal power plants being a major contributor. Additionally, the increase in the number of vehicles on the roads has led to higher emissions from cars, trucks, and two-wheelers. Vehicle emissions are exacerbated by the use of adulterated fuels, which increase pollutants such as hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide, and particulate matter.

Construction and Debris

The construction industry also plays a role in air pollution, with construction sites generating dust and debris that contribute to the particulate matter in the air. This is particularly prominent in rapidly developing cities with many construction projects.

Biomass Burning and Solid Fuel Usage

In rural areas, biomass burning for cooking and heating is a significant source of air pollution. Approximately 76% of households in rural India rely on solid biomass, such as wood, dung, and coal, for cooking. This practice releases harmful pollutants into the air and contributes to indoor air pollution, affecting the health of those residing in these households.

Crop Burning

Crop burning, or the practice of burning agricultural residues, contributes significantly to air pollution in India. In 2019, it accounted for about 17% of the country's air pollution. This method of clearing fields releases various harmful pollutants, including particulate matter, carbon monoxide, and volatile organic compounds.

Waste Burning

The improper disposal of waste through open burning is another source of air pollution in India. This practice releases toxic gases and particulate matter into the atmosphere, contributing to the overall degradation of air quality.

It is important to note that while these causes vary in impact across different regions of India, they collectively create a severe air pollution problem that adversely affects the health and economy of the country. Addressing these issues requires a multi-pronged approach, including policy interventions, technological advancements, and behavioral changes.

Effects of air pollution

India has the world's third-highest level of greenhouse gas emissions, behind China and the USA. The country's air pollution is caused by a variety of factors, including thermal power plants, vehicle emissions, industrial emissions, and the burning of wood and dirty fuels for cooking and heating. The effects of air pollution in India are widespread and devastating, with both short-term and long-term impacts on human health, the economy, and the environment.

Health Effects

Air pollution in India has severe consequences for human health, causing an estimated 1.67 million premature deaths in 2019, including more than 100,000 infants. This figure accounted for 17.8% of all deaths in the country that year and has been linked to various causes, including strokes, diabetes, lung cancer, myocardial infarctions, and respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. Long-term exposure to polluted air can lead to reduced lung capacity, sore throats, coughs, fatigue, headaches, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Even young people are not spared, with black deposits found in the lungs of teenage patients. The use of solid fuel biomass, such as charcoal, wood, and dried dung cakes for cooking and heating, has been identified as a significant contributor to these health issues.

Economic Effects

The economic impact of air pollution in India is also significant. A study estimated that India incurred economic losses of $36.8 billion in 2019 due to air pollution, representing 1.36% of the country's gross domestic product (GDP). Additionally, it is estimated that if India had achieved safe air quality levels in 2019, its GDP would have increased by $95 billion due to improved productivity, reduced absenteeism, and lower premature death rates.

Environmental Effects

Air pollution in India also has detrimental effects on the environment. Climate change exacerbates pollution through atmospheric stagnation, increased particulate matter, and ground-level ozone formation. Southern Indian states have implemented policies to reduce air pollution, but the impact of pollution and its consequences are more severe in the northern states. India's government has taken measures to address the issue, such as introducing cleaner fuels and promoting the use of Liquid Natural Gas (LNG) as an alternative to biomass in household cooking stoves and auto-rickshaws.

Government initiatives to reduce air pollution

India has been taking proactive steps to combat air pollution through various government initiatives. The National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) is one such initiative that addresses the deteriorating air quality across 132 cities that fail to meet air pollution standards. This comprehensive framework encourages collaboration across local and national jurisdictions and promotes city-specific air quality management plans.

The Indian government has also introduced the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), which includes measures such as dust mitigation at construction sites, effective waste management, and regular road cleaning. The first stage of GRAP has already been implemented in Noida, with restrictions on certain activities.

Another initiative is the use of bio-decomposers to combat stubble burning, a significant contributor to winter pollution. Additionally, the government has installed "smog towers," large air purifiers, and anti-smog guns that spray water droplets to curb air pollution.

The Building Healthy Cities Project, funded by USAID, is a community-led study in Indore, India, where local volunteers are trained to be clean air guides, educate the community, and support advocacy efforts.

The Indian government is also focusing on reducing sulphur from diesel fuel and encouraging the use of cleaner fuels, such as Liquid Natural Gas (LNG), as an alternative to biomass in household cooking stoves and auto-rickshaws. The introduction of electrically powered buses and the upgrading of engines using fossil fuels to meet stringent BS6 standards are also part of India's goals to reduce air pollution.

Furthermore, India is working with the World Bank and other international institutions to develop and implement effective air quality management strategies. The World Bank's Country Partnership Framework aims to enhance knowledge, build capacity, involve stakeholders, and facilitate policy adjustments to improve air quality in India.

Real-time air pollution monitoring

India's air pollution levels are a major cause for concern, with the country ranking as the world's third-largest producer of greenhouse gases. The Indian government has recognised the severity of the situation and has implemented various measures to reduce air pollution, including the introduction of the National Clean Air Program (NCAP) in 2019.

Real-time air quality data is also accessible to the public through platforms such as AQI.in and IQAir, which provide India's Air Quality Index (AQI) and real-time pollution levels. These platforms offer detailed information on pollutant levels, such as PM2.5 and PM10, as well as temperature and other relevant parameters. For example, on May 4, 2025, the AQI level in India was 98, which is considered moderate.

Additionally, visual maps, such as those provided by GAIA and the World Air Quality Index project, allow users to easily access real-time air pollution data for India and over 100 other countries. These maps provide a comprehensive view of air quality across different regions, enabling users to understand the extent of air pollution and make informed decisions to protect their health.

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