Helena Joyce
India has the dubious distinction of being home to the greatest number of highly polluted cities in the world. In 2024, 11 of the 20 most polluted cities were in India, and its air pollution levels are among the highest globally. This is due to a multitude of factors, including industrial and vehicular emissions, construction dust, burning of crop residue, and the burning of wood and dirty fuels for cooking and heating. The health impacts of this pollution are severe, with respiratory and cardiovascular diseases being common, and it also takes a heavy toll on the economy. India's rapid urbanization and population density have exacerbated the problem, and the government has been criticized for not taking stronger action to address it.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Population density and rapid urbanization | Increase in use of automobiles and spikes in industrial activity |
| Industrial activity | 51% of the country's air pollution |
| Vehicular emissions | 27% of the country's air pollution |
| Fuel wood and biomass burning | 300,000 to 400,000 people die of indoor air pollution and carbon monoxide poisoning |
| Crop burning | 17% of the country's air pollution |
| Thermal power plants | 11 small thermal stations in Delhi |
| Construction dust and debris | 50% of children in Bangalore suffer from asthma |
| Water pollution | Urban sewage discharge, industrial effluents, and pesticides and fertilizers from farms |
| Air pollution deaths | 2 million per year |
| Air pollution economic losses | $36.8 billion in 2019 |
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What You'll Learn
Industrial emissions
The Industrial Processes and Product Use (IPPU) sector, which includes sub-sectors such as chemicals and fertilizers, food and beverages, machinery, metals and mining, and textiles, contributes approximately 7% to India's total greenhouse gas emissions. Industrial emissions are primarily from burning fossil fuels to produce heat for industrial processes such as making paper or steel. Carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from certain processes, like cement making, are also significant.
The energy sector, which includes emissions from power plants burning fossil fuels, is the highest contributor to India's greenhouse gas emissions, accounting for 75% in 2019. However, the industrial sector is the second-largest contributor, and its emissions are expected to grow with increasing energy demand and industrialization.
India's rapid urbanization and population density have led to a spike in industrial activity. This has resulted in increased water pollution from industrial effluents, urban sewage discharge, and pesticides and fertilizers from farms, polluting water bodies and causing water toxicity.
To address industrial emissions, India has implemented the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) and is working towards reducing its reliance on fossil fuels. The country aims to have at least 50% of its energy capacity come from non-fossil sources by 2030. Additionally, the Confederation of Indian Industry's CEO Forum for Clean Air aims to bring business leaders together to catalyse cross-sector change.
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Vehicular emissions
Vehicles in India contribute about 290 gigagrams (Gg) of PM2.5 annually, which refers to particles with a diameter of less than 2.5 micrometres that can remain suspended in the air for extended periods. These fine particles make up 20-30% of the particulate matter at the breathing level of air quality and have severe health impacts. Exposure to PM2.5 can lead to respiratory and cardiovascular issues such as asthma, bronchitis, COPD, lung cancer, and heart attacks.
India's rapid economic growth and increasing demand for private mobility are expected to result in a threefold increase in annual car sales by 2030. This will lead to a higher number of vehicles on the road and, consequently, increased exposure to vehicular exhaust emissions. To address this challenge, India has implemented Bharat Stage (BS) emission standards to regulate air pollutants from internal combustion engine vehicles. The country leapfrogged from BS-IV to BS-VI standards in 2020, which are equivalent to Euro-6/VI norms. Additionally, India is working to improve vehicle testing procedures and adopt global standards like the Worldwide Harmonized Light Vehicle Test Procedures (WLTP) to better control real-world emissions.
To further reduce transport-related emissions, India is promoting the electrification of its vehicle fleet. Electric vehicles (EVs) are expected to comprise nearly 35% of total vehicle sales in 2030, with a goal of reaching 50% to align with the 2070 target. The deployment of electric buses and freight trucks is already underway, and the transition to zero-emission vehicles is being encouraged. These efforts are expected to significantly reduce CO2 and NOX emissions and improve air quality and public health in the country.
While India is taking steps to address vehicular emissions, the challenge of managing emissions from a rapidly growing vehicle fleet remains. The improvement in emissions standards and testing procedures must go hand in hand with the promotion of electric vehicles and the development of supporting infrastructure. By addressing these issues, India can harness the socio-economic benefits of improved mobility while mitigating the environmental and health impacts of vehicular emissions.
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Crop burning
India has been facing a severe air pollution crisis, with 21 out of the 30 most polluted cities in the world in 2019 being in India. One of the major contributors to this crisis is the burning of crop residue by farmers, also known as stubble burning. This practice has been a major cause of air pollution in Delhi, the capital city, since 1980.
In the northern states of Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh, farmers burn an estimated 35 million tons of crop waste from wheat and paddy fields every year after harvesting. This practice allows farmers to quickly and cheaply clear the land of residue in time for the next sowing season. The smoke from these fires produces a cloud of particulates, which has been described as a “toxic cloud” visible from space. This cloud contains fine black and brown carbon, which affects light absorption, as well as greenhouse gases and other pollutants that damage the ozone layer. The smog severely affects people with respiratory conditions such as Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder, and can lead to eye irritation, eye-watering, and conjunctival hyperemia.
The unsustainable use of alternating wheat-rice cropping patterns is also exhausting natural resources like water, soil, and forest areas. The Indian government has been criticised for not reacting quickly enough to this health emergency, and for not providing viable alternatives to farmers, who already face financial constraints and limited time between crop cycles. However, the government has considered implementing the 1,600 km long and 5 km wide Great Green Wall of Aravalli to combat the problem. Other solutions include the use of harvesters like the "Happy Seeder", which shreds crop residues, and growing crops such as millets and maize as sustainable alternatives to rice and wheat.
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Construction dust
India is undergoing rapid urbanization, with around 70% of the buildings in its cities yet to be constructed by 2030. As a result, construction dust is a significant contributor to India's air pollution.
The process of mixing concrete, for instance, is estimated to contribute to 10% of the coarse pollutants in Delhi's air, according to an Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur study. A 2015 study of 19 large construction sites in Delhi found that the air quality around all of them exceeded safe limits by at least three times. Construction workers are bearing the brunt of this, as almost none wear pollution masks.
Dust from construction sites and unpaved roads can significantly increase air pollution in cities, and in the case of Delhi, construction sites and the production of raw materials like bricks and concrete are major contributors to harmful pollutants in the city's atmosphere.
The Indian construction industry has neglected to control the dust produced by worksites, which is a crucial part of clearing the air in cities like Delhi. Builders cut corners, and cities like Delhi lack the capacity to safely process the amount of construction waste they produce.
To mitigate the impact of dust pollution, the construction industry can adopt proactive approaches and utilize innovative solutions like dust monitors and automatic dust suppression systems. These measures will ensure the well-being of workers and nearby residents, contributing to a cleaner and more sustainable future.
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Thermal power plants
India's rapid economic growth has led to a spike in industrial activity, which is a major contributor to the country's pollution. Thermal power plants, in particular, have been identified as a significant source of harmful emissions, including particulate matter, sulphur dioxide, nitrogen oxide, and heavy metals. These emissions have severe health impacts on nearby populations, causing respiratory issues, asthma, cardiovascular problems, and even premature deaths.
The Indian government introduced compliance norms for emissions from thermal power plants in 2015, with deadlines for FGD installation initially set for 2017. However, these deadlines have been repeatedly extended, with power plants near heavily polluted areas and major cities being granted more time to comply. As of 2024, many thermal power plants have failed to meet the requirements, despite the well-established benefits of FGD technology in reducing sulphur dioxide emissions and overall air pollution.
The environmental impacts of thermal power plants extend beyond air pollution. Fly ash, a byproduct of coal combustion, is often released into the air or dumped in landfill sites, posing risks to the environment and human health. The improper management of fly ash, which contains toxic pollutants, is a significant concern. Additionally, the planned expansion of coal-based power generation capacity in India indicates that coal will continue to play a significant role in the country's energy security, further contributing to pollution unless effective measures are implemented.
To address the pollution caused by thermal power plants, aggressive pollution control regulations and stricter emission standards are necessary. Mandating FGD systems and the utilization of cleaner oils can significantly reduce emissions of sulphur dioxide and particulate matter. Furthermore, the implementation of advanced technologies and a stronger focus on the application of fly ash in various industries can help mitigate the environmental and health risks associated with thermal power generation.
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Frequently asked questions
There are several reasons for the growth of pollution in India. The main contributors to India's air pollution include industrial and vehicular emissions, construction dust and debris, thermal power plants, biomass burning, and crop burning.
Industrial activity is a major contributor to pollution in India, accounting for about 51% of the country's air pollution. Sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxide emissions from thermal power plants cause respiratory issues and lead to acid rain.
Traffic congestion in Indian cities is severe, with a high number of vehicles per kilometre of road. Vehicles emit pollutants 4 to 8 times more than they would with less congestion, and they consume more fuel per trip. Motor vehicles are a major contributor to India's air pollution.
Fuel wood and biomass burning for cooking and heating are primary reasons for the haze and smoke observed over India. Biomass burning contributes to indoor air pollution and carbon monoxide poisoning, with an estimated 300,000 to 400,000 deaths attributed to this cause.
Air pollution in India has severe health consequences, including respiratory and cardiovascular diseases such as asthma, bronchitis, COPD, lung cancer, and heart attacks. It reduces life expectancy and causes premature deaths, resulting in significant economic losses.
