India's Pollution Problem: Why Can't It Be Solved?

India has the world's worst air pollution, with 1.4 billion people exposed to unhealthy levels of ambient PM2.5, the most harmful pollutant. This toxic air kills more than one million people each year, with 1.67 million deaths attributable to air pollution in 2019, accounting for 17.8% of total deaths in the country. The economic losses due to premature deaths and morbidity from air pollution in 2019 amounted to US$36.8 billion, or 1.36% of India's GDP. Despite the severity of the issue, India has been slow to address its pollution crisis. Political divisions, lack of cooperation between federal and state governments, and competing electoral priorities have hindered effective action. While some measures have been implemented, such as the National Clean Air Programme, experts argue that a more comprehensive and coordinated approach is needed, addressing transport, industries, power, dust, and other sources of pollution.

Lack of political will

India's struggle with air pollution is well-documented, with the country's 1.4 billion people exposed to unhealthy levels of ambient PM2.5, the most harmful pollutant. While the Indian government has taken some steps to address this issue, such as the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP), a lack of political will remains a significant obstacle in the fight for cleaner air.

One of the main reasons for the lack of political will is the complex nature of India's political landscape. With a federal structure and multiple parties involved, there is often a lack of coordination and cooperation between the governing party at the federal level, the main opposition, and the state and city governments. This dynamic often results in a blame game and passing of the buck, rather than a unified effort to tackle air pollution.

Additionally, political priorities and electoral demands play a crucial role. In a country where economic growth and wealth redistribution are still the main focus, environmental concerns tend to take a back seat. Voters are more likely to be influenced by electoral promises that target individual or community benefits, such as employment, rather than abstract and long-term environmental goals. As a result, politicians are less incentivized to make environmental issues a priority in their agendas.

The social and economic disparities in India further complicate the matter. The burden of environmental degradation falls disproportionately on underprivileged communities, such as the landless, Dalits, and Adivasis. These communities lack the resources to protect themselves from polluted air, yet their concerns are often not prioritized in political agendas.

Furthermore, the implementation and enforcement of pollution control laws have been weak. There is a lack of discipline and effective regulation, with political and bureaucratic corruption hindering the enforcement of laws. Additionally, the cost of implementing pollution control measures can be a barrier, especially given India's per capita income.

The lack of political will to address air pollution in India has severe consequences. The health impacts of pollution are significant, contributing to illnesses such as lung cancer, stroke, and heart disease. The economic costs are also high, with losses in output and morbidity due to air pollution amounting to billions of dollars.

Despite the efforts of environmental activists and the pressure exerted by the Supreme Court, a lack of political will continues to impede India's progress in combating air pollution. It will take a concerted effort from politicians, policymakers, and civil society to bring about meaningful change and improve the country's air quality.

Lack of cooperation between federal and state governments

India's struggle with pollution is a complex issue influenced by various factors, including the lack of cooperation between federal and state governments. This dynamic has hindered the country's ability to implement effective measures to combat pollution. Here is an examination of how this lack of coordination impacts India's efforts to reduce pollution:

The Indian government has introduced several laws and initiatives to address environmental concerns, such as the Environment (Protection) Act of 1986 and the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP). However, the enforcement of these measures falls to the state governments, and the lack of coordination between the federal and state levels has led to inconsistent application of rules across states. This inconsistency creates a fragmented approach to pollution control, with varying levels of commitment and effectiveness depending on the state.

The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC), plays a crucial role in formulating policies and providing technical support. Yet, the actual enforcement is delegated to the State Pollution Control Boards (SPCBs) or Pollution Control Committees (PCCs) in union territories. This division of responsibilities can lead to a disconnect between policy formulation and implementation, especially if the state-level entities do not align with the federal government's vision.

Additionally, the sources of pollution often transcend jurisdictional boundaries. For example, the formation of secondary particulate matter (PM2.5), a significant contributor to air pollution, occurs when different types of gaseous pollutants from various sources mix in the upper atmosphere. This pollution travels across states, cities, and jurisdictional borders, highlighting the need for coordinated action. However, the lack of cooperation between federal and state governments can impede the implementation of uniform pollution control measures, allowing pollution to continue unabated.

The issue of pollution in India demands a unified response, as individual cities or states cannot effectively tackle the problem on their own. Collaborative efforts and standardized tools for airshed-based management across the country are essential. Without a cohesive strategy that aligns the efforts of federal and state governments, India's battle against pollution will remain challenging.

Furthermore, the lack of cooperation between federal and state governments can lead to a lack of accountability. With pollution sources crossing state lines, it becomes easier for individual states to shift blame or avoid taking responsibility for their contribution to the problem. This dynamic can hinder the implementation of effective solutions, as states may prioritize their interests over finding a collective solution.

In conclusion, the lack of cooperation between federal and state governments in India exacerbates the country's pollution problem. To effectively address this complex issue, a unified approach is necessary, ensuring consistent enforcement of environmental regulations, standardized tools for pollution control, and collaborative efforts that transcend jurisdictional boundaries.

Lack of awareness and reticence to change attitudes

India's pollution problem is reaching a catastrophic scale, yet a lack of awareness and reticence to change attitudes persist. While the country has witnessed some improvements, pollution remains a pressing issue with far-reaching consequences.

One significant factor contributing to India's pollution crisis is the rapid burning of fuelwood and biomass, such as dried waste from livestock, as the primary source of energy. This practice releases a substantial amount of harmful emissions into the atmosphere, with India being the world's largest consumer of fuelwood, agricultural waste, and biomass for energy purposes. Despite the harmful effects, this traditional fuel accounts for around 90% of domestic energy use in rural India and 24% in urban areas.

Another critical aspect is the lack of organised garbage and waste removal services. India's cities generate over 100 million tons of solid waste annually, yet proper waste management practices are often lacking. The Supreme Court's directive for comprehensive waste management, including segregation, recycling, and composting, has been largely ignored. As a result, trash and garbage are a common sight in both urban and rural areas, contributing significantly to pollution levels.

Additionally, there is a notable absence of sewage treatment operations, with untreated sewage being discharged into rivers and other water bodies. This issue is exacerbated by the lack of flood control and monsoon water drainage systems, leading to further pollution and contamination.

The transportation sector also plays a role in India's pollution crisis. Vehicle emissions, particularly from motorbikes, contribute significantly to air pollution in large cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Kolkata. While efforts are being made to introduce hybrid and electric vehicles, challenges remain in the development of cleaner combustion fuels for motor vehicles.

Furthermore, India's population growth adds pressure to environmental issues and resources. Rapid urbanisation has led to a buildup of heavy metals in the soil, which finds its way into the food chain through contaminated vegetables. These heavy metals pose significant health risks, including carcinogenic effects.

While economic development and population density have been cited as factors, they do not fully explain India's environmental issues. Countries with similar or higher population densities, such as Singapore, Hong Kong, and Japan, enjoy superior environmental quality. This suggests that a lack of awareness and resistance to changing attitudes towards pollution are significant contributors to India's struggles.

The resistance to change is evident in various sectors. For example, in the transportation sector, despite initiatives like the "Red light on, Car off" campaign by the Delhi government, many individuals, like taxi driver Jitendra Kumar, refuse to turn off their vehicles at traffic lights, demonstrating a lack of willingness to adopt more environmentally friendly behaviours.

Moreover, political divisions and religious tensions take precedence over pollution as a leading theme in Indian politics. Kumar's statement, "We are staunch voters of the BJP and oppose Muslims. Pollution, what can we do about pollution?", highlights how partisan loyalties and religious polarisation distract from the urgency of addressing pollution.

The lack of awareness and resistance to change are also reflected in the government's response to environmental issues. While India has passed various laws and established the Ministry of Environment and Forests, the reality of environmental quality worsened between 1947 and 1990. This indicates a disconnect between policy formulation and effective implementation.

In conclusion, India's struggle to reduce pollution is compounded by a lack of awareness among its citizens and a reticence to change attitudes and behaviours that contribute to pollution. While economic development and population growth are factors, they do not fully explain the situation. Addressing these issues requires raising awareness, fostering environmental consciousness, and encouraging the adoption of more sustainable practices across various sectors, including energy, waste management, transportation, and agriculture.

Religious divisions taking precedence over pollution as an election issue

India's failure to address its pollution crisis is a complex issue with many contributing factors. One significant aspect is the role of religious traditions and festivities in the country's pollution problem. While India's pollution primarily stems from sources such as transport, industry, and consumer waste, religious practices also play a notable part.

Hindu festivals like Diwali, Holi, Durga Puja, and Ganesh Puja have come under scrutiny for their environmental impact. The mass use of firecrackers and fireworks during Diwali, for instance, leads to dangerous spikes in air pollution, particularly in cities like New Delhi. While attempts have been made to ban or restrict the sale and use of fireworks, these efforts are often met with resistance and are challenging to enforce due to their cultural and religious significance.

Similarly, the festival of Holi, which involves throwing coloured powders and water, has been criticised for water wastage, especially during droughts. The powders themselves, which were traditionally made from natural ingredients, are now often toxic chemical mixtures.

Another critical example is the Hindu practice of cremation, which is usually performed near rivers. With India's massive population, this places immense pressure on the nation's rivers. The Ganges, for instance, is one of the most poisonous rivers in the world yet remains the primary source of drinking water for about 400 million Indians.

While some Indians are seeking ways to protect the environment while preserving the spirit of Hindu rituals, there is resistance to changing traditional practices. Eco-friendly cremation methods, such as electric-powered cremation suites, face opposition as they are seen as lacking the spiritual significance of traditional pyres.

The situation is further complicated by the political landscape. Rural and urban populations constitute essential voting blocs for different political parties, hindering effective compromise on issues like crop burning. Additionally, the lack of robust enforcement of environmental regulations and the reluctance to update certain traditions to reflect modern demands impede India's conservation efforts.

Overall, while religious practices are a significant contributing factor to India's pollution crisis, the issue is complex and intertwined with cultural, social, and political dynamics.

Lack of infrastructure

India's lack of infrastructure is a significant impediment to reducing pollution in the country. The country's rapid urbanization and industrialization have outpaced the development of adequate infrastructure, leading to a strain on resources and a degradation of air and water quality.

One of the main issues is the lack of proper waste management systems. India generates a significant amount of municipal solid waste (MSW), with 277 million tonnes produced annually, and this waste is often dumped into rivers and lakes, severely contaminating the water sources. The near-total absence of pipe planning and inadequate waste management systems exacerbate the problem, with only a tiny fraction of the 40 million litres of wastewater that enters rivers and water bodies being adequately treated due to a lack of infrastructure.

The lack of infrastructure is also evident in India's water supply systems. Continuous piped water supply remains a challenge for many fast-urbanizing Indian cities, with most urban households receiving water for only a few hours a day. This issue is not limited to cities; even in rural areas, communities struggle to access clean water, and the government has had to step in with initiatives like the Atal Bhujal Yojana to improve groundwater management.

The lack of infrastructure is further exacerbated by the country's growing population, which puts excessive strain on energy consumption and affects the environment and air quality. The consistent population growth has led to a rise in energy demand, particularly from mobile and point sources, with a subsequent rise in energy consumption expected in the coming years. However, there is a lack of reliable sources to monitor this energy consumption, making it difficult to implement effective measures.

Additionally, India's lack of infrastructure is evident in the transportation sector, which is a major contributor to air pollution. The number of motorised vehicles in India has increased significantly, and the existing infrastructure is inadequate to accommodate this growth. This has led to an increase in vehicular emissions, with carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, and non-methane volatile organic compounds being the major pollutants.

The lack of infrastructure is also a challenge in the industrial sector. While the government has mandated the relocation of industries from urban centres to rural areas, the lack of adequate infrastructure in these areas makes it difficult for industries to comply. This results in a concentration of industries in certain areas, contributing to the pollution problem.

Overall, India's lack of infrastructure in waste management, water supply, energy consumption monitoring, transportation, and industrial planning poses significant challenges to reducing pollution in the country. Addressing these infrastructure gaps is crucial for India to make substantial progress in combating pollution and improving the health and well-being of its citizens.

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