Brian Barton
India is one of the most polluted countries in the world, with 21 of the 30 most polluted cities in 2019. The country's air pollution has devastating effects on the health of its citizens, contributing to over 2 million premature deaths annually. The main sources of India's air pollution include industrial and vehicular emissions, construction dust and debris, the burning of crop residue, and the use of solid fuels like wood and dung for cooking and heating. While the Indian government has implemented initiatives to address this issue, such as the National Clean Air Program, the country continues to struggle with poor air quality, particularly in its densely populated northern regions.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| India's rank in world pollution levels | India is one of the most polluted countries in the world. |
| Most polluted cities in India | Delhi, Mumbai, Lucknow, Bhopal, Solapur, Ahmedabad, Gurugram, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh |
| Causes of pollution | Industrial and vehicular emissions, construction dust and debris, burning of crop residue, use of wood and dung for cooking and heating, power generation from coal, manufacturing, population density |
| Health impacts | Respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, lung cancer, heart attacks, asthma, reduced foetal growth, stunted development of children's lungs, cognitive impairment |
| Government initiatives to reduce pollution | National Clean Air Program, Corporate Air Emissions Reporting Guide, India CEO Forum for Clean Air, providing cooking gas cylinders to poor households, push for renewable energy, introduction of electric public transport buses |
| Geographical factors | Winds blow towards the Himalayas, trapping pollution. |
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What You'll Learn
Indian government initiatives to reduce pollution
India is one of the most polluted countries in the world, with 100% of its population exposed to unhealthy levels of ambient PM2.5, the most dangerous type of air pollutant. The Indian government has taken several initiatives to combat this issue and reduce pollution.
Firstly, the government launched the National Clean Air Program (NCAP) in January 2019, aiming to reduce air pollution levels by 20% within five years in over 100 of the most polluted cities in India. The NCAP focuses on reducing emissions, expanding air monitoring networks, building capacity for pollution management, and strengthening public awareness. The government also approved a law in August 2021 to establish the Commission of Air Quality Management in the National Capital Region and adjoining areas, recognizing the need for cross-jurisdictional collaboration.
Secondly, India has set aside approximately $1.7 billion to fight air pollution over five years for 42 Indian cities with populations exceeding one million. This performance-based funding program is conditional on these cities reducing their air pollution levels by 15% annually.
Thirdly, India is implementing state and regional airshed plans with support from the World Bank. These plans focus on developing institutional capabilities and implementing vital systems for cleaner air.
In addition to these national initiatives, several Indian cities have introduced successful initiatives, such as cleaner fuel standards, promoting public transportation, and establishing air quality monitoring systems. Other innovative strategies include community-led initiatives, green infrastructure initiatives, art and awareness campaigns, mobile health clinics, and clean cooking solutions.
Furthermore, technological advancements offer solutions like air purifiers with HEPA filters for vulnerable individuals and the adoption of electric vehicles to reduce vehicular emissions. India is also exploring waste management initiatives, with a focus on municipal solid waste management and creating opportunities for cutting-edge technologies in water treatment and waste-to-energy solutions.
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The impact of pollution on health
India is one of the world's most polluted countries, with 21 of the world's 30 most polluted cities in 2019. The country's pollution is a result of industrial and vehicular emissions, construction dust, thermal power plants, waste burning, and the use of wood and dung for cooking and heating.
The impact of this pollution on health is significant. The worsening air pollution in the country is a major concern for the health of individuals. Long-term exposure to particulate matter can lead to respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, including asthma, bronchitis, COPD, lung cancer, and heart attacks. The Global Burden of Disease Study for 2010 found that outdoor air pollution was the fifth-largest killer in India, causing around 620,000 early deaths from air pollution-related diseases in that year alone. More recently, in 2019, the same study estimated that air pollution caused 1,795,181 deaths in the country due to stroke, heart disease, lung cancer, and chronic respiratory diseases. According to the State of Global Air 2024, air pollution accounts for more than 2 million deaths a year in India.
The effects of air pollution on health are not limited to physical ailments but also include mental health issues. Exposure to green spaces is associated with reduced risks of depression and anxiety. In addition, climate change, which is exacerbated by air pollution, poses further health risks to urban residents. Intensified heatwaves and extreme weather events, such as high rainfall, floods, and droughts, can have detrimental effects on human health.
The Indian government has implemented various measures to address the country's air pollution problem and mitigate its impact on health. The National Clean Air Program aims to reduce particulate matter pollution by 40% by 2026. The government is also working to introduce electric public transport buses, upgrade fossil fuel vehicles to BS6 emission standards, and promote sustainable crop practices. Additionally, the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojna programme aims to improve access to clean energy options like LPG for marginalized households. These initiatives demonstrate India's commitment to improving air quality and reducing the health risks associated with pollution.
While the government has taken steps to address air pollution, the issue remains a serious concern for the health of India's population. The high levels of air pollution in the country continue to contribute to premature deaths and morbidity, with an estimated economic loss due to lost productivity and human capital. It is crucial for India to sustain and accelerate its efforts to combat air pollution and protect the health and well-being of its citizens.
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The most polluted cities in India
India is one of the world's most polluted countries, with 13 of the world's 20 most-polluted cities. Of the 30 most polluted cities in the world, 21 were in India in 2019. A study undertaken by the Council on Energy, Environment and Water (CEEW) estimates that the three major contributing sources of air pollution in India are the residential, power, and industrial sectors. The burning of solid fuels for cooking, heating, and other purposes in the residential sector is the leading source of ambient particulate pollution in India. Industrial pollution is the largest contributor to India's air pollution, followed by vehicles, crop burning, and other sources.
New Delhi, the capital of India, is the most polluted city in the country and was ranked as the world's most polluted city in November 2024. The city's air quality index dropped into the 'severe' category in November 2024, with concentrations of particulate matter (PM2.5) nearly 10 times higher than the World Health Organization guidelines. The government has taken steps to address the issue, such as ordering schools to close and construction to cease, and implementing the Odd-Even Rule in November 2017, which allows cars with number plates ending in odd digits to be driven only on certain days of the week.
Other Indian cities that are among the most polluted in the world include Solapur, Ahmedabad, Mumbai, Lucknow, and Bhopal. These cities have shown improvements in reducing pollution levels in recent years, with decreasing trends observed in PM10 and Sulphur dioxide levels. The Indian government has committed to reducing households' use of solid fuel for cooking and introducing electric public transport buses to improve air quality.
The Clean Air Fund has been working with the government, businesses, and research organizations to achieve India's clean air goals. The National Clean Air Program aims to reduce particulate matter pollution by 40% by 2026. The Real Urban Emissions (TRUE) Initiative has also worked with authorities in Delhi and Gurugram to conduct emissions testing of on-road vehicles and provide recommendations for improving air quality.
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The main sources of India's air pollution
India is one of the world's most polluted countries, with 17 of the world's 30 most polluted cities. Delhi, the capital, has the poorest air quality among capital cities globally. India's air quality worsens in the winter months and improves with the onset of the monsoon season.
Residential Sector
Burning solid fuels like firewood, dung, and agricultural waste in homes for cooking, heating, and other purposes is the leading source of ambient particulate pollution in India. Household air pollution contributes to higher total PM2.5 exposure than coal burning, open burning, and transportation. In addition, tobacco smoke and inefficient cooking stoves contribute to indoor air pollution.
Power Sector
Thermal power plants contribute significantly to air pollution in India. The country's dependence on thermal power for electricity is a major concern.
Industrial Sector
Industrial emissions are a significant source of air pollution in India, accounting for 51% of the country's air pollution. Industrial pollution includes emissions from vehicles, construction dust and debris, power plants, and other industrial sources.
Vehicular Emissions
Pollution from vehicles is a major contributor to India's air pollution, accounting for 27% of the country's total pollution. Remote sensing technology has revealed that motor vehicles emit far more in real-world conditions than in laboratory tests, underscoring the need for an accelerated transition to zero-emission vehicles.
Crop Burning
Large-scale crop residue burning in agricultural fields during autumn and spring is a major source of smoke, smog, and particulate pollution. While it is a cheaper alternative to mechanical tilling, it has severe environmental and health impacts.
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The role of businesses in tackling pollution
India is one of the world's most polluted countries, with 17 of the world's 30 most polluted cities located in the country. The problem is particularly acute in New Delhi, which has the poorest air quality among capital cities globally. The main sources of India's air pollution include industrial and vehicular emissions, construction dust and debris, thermal power plants, the burning of crop residue, and the burning of solid fuels like wood and dung for cooking and heating.
The Indian government has taken steps to address this issue, launching the National Clean Air Program, which aims to reduce particulate matter pollution by 40% by 2026. However, businesses also have a crucial role to play in tackling air pollution. While businesses significantly contribute to air emissions, their engagement with the issue has been minimal. To address this, the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) has developed a Corporate Air Emissions Reporting Guide to help businesses manage and report their air emissions. CII's India CEO Forum for Clean Air brings together business leaders to catalyse cross-sector change and drive innovation in addressing air pollution. The forum has over 130 members, engaging with over 120 businesses, and has helped raise awareness about air pollution among business leaders.
Businesses can play a key role in designing solutions for sectors such as transportation and agriculture. For example, ExxonMobil is collaborating with think tanks and universities, including the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs), to find scalable low-emission solutions. IITs are working on ventures and solutions, such as Project Kaatru, which is building a mobile IoT unit to gather and analyse spatial data on air quality. Businesses are also actively collaborating on clean air solutions, such as the Crop Residue Management Programme across Punjab and Haryana, which has led to over 80% of farmers in those areas adopting burning-free sustainable alternatives.
The private sector's involvement is essential in combatting air pollution and achieving India's clean air goals. The Clean Air Fund, for instance, works with the government, businesses, and research organisations to support their efforts. The Real Urban Emissions (TRUE) Initiative also works with city governments to conduct emissions testing and provide recommendations. Businesses have a significant role and responsibility in tackling India's pollution problem, and their engagement and innovation can drive much-needed solutions and policy changes.
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Frequently asked questions
India is one of the world's most polluted countries, with 21 of the 30 most polluted cities in the world in 2019. The air pollution in India contributes to the premature deaths of 2 million Indians every year.
The three major sources of air pollution in India are the residential, power, and industrial sectors. The burning of solid fuels like firewood and dung for cooking, heating, and other purposes is the leading source of ambient particulate pollution in India. Other sources include industrial and vehicular emissions, construction dust and debris, waste burning, and crop burning.
The Indian government has implemented several measures to address air pollution, including the National Clean Air Program, which aims to reduce particulate matter pollution by 40% by 2026. They have also introduced cleaner fuel standards, promoted the use of LPG and CNG as alternative fuels, and committed to increasing the number of electric public transport buses. Additionally, the government is working to provide farmers with machines that convert agricultural residue into fertilizer and encouraging crop diversification towards more sustainable crops.
