Air Pollution In India: A Complex Crisis

India is one of the most polluted countries in the world, with 11 of the top 20 polluted cities in 2024. The main causes of India's air pollution include industrial and vehicular emissions, construction dust, thermal power plants, waste burning, and the burning of wood and dung for cooking and heating. Air pollution has severe health impacts on Indians, causing over a million premature deaths annually and contributing to respiratory and cardiovascular issues. India has launched initiatives to combat air pollution, such as the National Clean Air Programme, and aims to reduce particulate pollution by targeting highly polluted cities.

Industrial and vehicular emissions, construction, and burning of crops and waste

India's air pollution is caused by a combination of factors, including industrial and vehicular emissions, construction, and the burning of crops and waste. These factors have led to India having some of the world's most polluted cities and premature deaths of millions of Indians every year.

Industrial and Vehicular Emissions

Industrial pollution is responsible for 51% of India's air pollution. This includes emissions from power plants, factories, and other industrial sources. In addition, India's growing economy and increasing energy demands have led to a rise in the use of thermal power for electricity, further contributing to industrial emissions.

Vehicular emissions are another major contributor to India's air pollution, accounting for 27% of the total. The rapid increase in the number of vehicles on the roads, coupled with poor enforcement of traffic laws and congestion, has led to higher levels of pollutants from cars, trucks, and two-wheelers. In addition, the adulteration of fuel with cheaper hydrocarbons and the use of kerosene in vehicles result in higher emissions of harmful pollutants.

Construction

Construction dust and debris are significant contributors to particulate air pollution in India, especially in rapidly growing cities. The construction industry's activities, such as demolition, excavation, and building construction, release dust and debris into the air, worsening air quality, especially in urban areas.

Burning of Crops and Waste

Crop residue burning is a common practice in Indian agriculture, despite government bans and interventions. It is a cheaper alternative to mechanical tilling, but it contributes to poor air quality and imposes health risks on the population. Burning crops and waste releases particulate matter, including toxic pollutants, into the atmosphere, leading to respiratory and cardiovascular health issues. In rural areas, biomass burning for cooking and heating also contributes significantly to air pollution.

Overall, the combination of these factors has led to a significant increase in air pollution levels in India, with severe health and environmental consequences. The country has implemented various initiatives and programs to tackle this issue, but the enforcement of regulations and the adoption of cleaner technologies remain crucial to improving air quality.

Poor enforcement of the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act

India has been facing a significant air pollution problem, with over a million premature deaths occurring annually due to this issue, according to the Health Effects Institute. Air pollution is detrimental to the health of people, animals, and vegetation, and it also damages property. The main contributors to India's air pollution include industrial and vehicular emissions, construction dust, thermal power dependence, waste burning, and the use of wood and dung for cooking and heating in low-income and rural households.

To address this issue, the Indian government passed the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act in 1981, aiming to prevent and mitigate the harmful effects of air pollution. However, the Act has failed to effectively reduce pollution due to poor enforcement. The Act defines 'air pollution' and establishes the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), with the power to enforce directives and impose penalties for non-compliance. Despite these measures, the implementation of the Act has faced challenges, and air pollution levels in India remain high.

The poor enforcement of the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act can be attributed to several factors. Firstly, there has been a lack of coordination between different levels of government and jurisdictions. Air pollution is a complex issue that requires collaboration between local, state, and national authorities. India's Parliament recognised this need and approved the establishment of the Commission of Air Quality Management in the National Capital Region and adjoining areas in 2021. This body is tasked with improving air quality through cross-jurisdictional coordination.

Secondly, the implementing agencies have faced administrative and practical difficulties in effectively enforcing the provisions of the Act. The Central and State Boards responsible for carrying out the directives have encountered challenges in terms of resources, capacity, and expertise. To address this, the World Bank and other international organisations are working with the Indian government and local stakeholders to improve institutional capabilities and implement necessary systems for change.

Furthermore, the Act has faced challenges in keeping up with the changing nature of air pollution sources. For example, the issue of stubble burning, which is a recurrent topic in the news, was not adequately addressed in the original Act. Amendments have been made over the years, such as the addition of 'noise' as a pollutant in 1987, but the Act may need further updates to comprehensively tackle the diverse sources of air pollution, including industrial emissions, vehicle emissions, crop residue burning, and biomass burning for cooking and heating in rural areas.

Lastly, public awareness and cooperation are crucial for the successful implementation of the Act. The Act proposes that any person should be able to complain to the Courts regarding violations after giving prior notice to the relevant Board. However, there may be a lack of awareness among the public about their rights and responsibilities under the Act, hindering its effective enforcement.

Climate change impacts, including retreating Himalayan glaciers

India is facing significant challenges due to climate change, with rising temperatures causing Himalayan glaciers to retreat. This has led to a range of impacts, from threatening the flow of major rivers to increasing the frequency and intensity of heat waves. The country has experienced a temperature rise of 0.7 °C (1.3 °F) between 1901 and 2018, and current projections indicate that droughts will become more severe and common by the end of the century.

The retreating Himalayan glaciers are a significant concern for India's water security. The glaciers are a vital source of freshwater for the country, and their retreat threatens the flow rate of major rivers like the Ganges, Brahmaputra, and Yamuna. A 2007 WWF report even warns that the Indus River may run dry. As a result, India faces the risk of severe water scarcity, impacting agriculture, industry, and millions of people who depend on these rivers for their livelihoods and daily needs.

Climate change is also exacerbating India's air pollution crisis. The country already struggles with poor air quality, with industrial and vehicular emissions, construction, thermal power dependence, waste burning, and biomass burning for cooking and heating contributing significantly. Climate change-induced weather patterns further worsen air quality. For example, during specific seasons, stagnant cold air and weak wind patterns trap crop-burning smoke and smog over cities like Delhi, creating hazardous winter air pollution.

To address these challenges, India has taken several initiatives. The government launched the National Clean Air Programme in 2019, aiming to reduce PM2.5 and PM10 concentrations by 20-30% by 2024. Additionally, India is developing its first State Air Quality Action Plans and Regional Airshed Action Plan for the Indo Gangetic Plains, with support from the World Bank. The government has also set aside $1.7 billion to fight air pollution in 42 cities, promoting cross-jurisdiction collaboration to tackle this issue effectively.

While these efforts are promising, more urgent action is needed to mitigate the impacts of climate change, including the retreat of Himalayan glaciers. India must continue to focus on reducing greenhouse gas emissions, implementing sustainable practices, and adapting to the changing environment to protect its people's health, water security, and overall well-being.

Health effects, including respiratory and cardiovascular diseases

Air pollution in India has severe health effects on its population, including respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. It is believed to be a key factor in accelerating the onset of Alzheimer's disease in the country. According to the Global Burden of Disease Study of 2017, analysed in a report by The Lancet, 76.8% of Indians are exposed to higher ambient particulate matter over 40 μg/m3, which is significantly above the national limit recommended by national guidelines on ambient air pollution.

The Global Burden of Disease Study for 2010, published in 2013, found that outdoor air pollution was the fifth-largest killer in India, with around 620,000 early deaths occurring from air pollution-related diseases in 2010. A 2019 study led by researchers from the Global Observatory on Pollution and Health at Boston College, the Indian Council of Medical Research, and the Public Health Foundation of India, estimated that air pollution caused 1.67 million deaths in India in 2019, accounting for 17.8% of all deaths in the country that year. The economic loss due to these premature deaths was estimated at $36.8 billion, or 1.36% of the country's gross domestic product. Another study by the non-profit Health Effects Institute estimated that over a million Indians die prematurely each year due to air pollution.

Respiratory diseases caused by air pollution include acute respiratory tract infections, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), exacerbations of pre-existing obstructive airway disease, and lung cancer. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), ambient air pollution was responsible for 16% of lung cancer deaths and 15% of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease-related deaths globally in 2012. India has one of the highest numbers of COPD patients and the highest number of deaths due to COPD. Asthma is the most common health problem faced by Indians, accounting for more than half of the health issues caused by air pollution. Over two million children in India, including half the children in Delhi, have abnormalities in their lung function, according to the Delhi Heart and Lung Institute.

Cardiovascular diseases caused by air pollution include heart disease, stroke, and altered blood pressure. The World Health Organization (WHO) reported that ambient air pollution was responsible for 29% of heart disease and stroke deaths globally in 2012. Exposure to air pollution containing PM2.5 is closely associated with cardiovascular disease, as assessed in a large study from metropolitan areas in the United States. The increased risk of cardiovascular death after exposure to PM2.5 was also observed in a cross-sectional study.

The Indian government has recognised the severity of the problem and has taken several initiatives to address air pollution. In 2020, the government set aside about $1.7 billion to fight air pollution over the next five years for 42 Indian cities with million-plus populations, provided they reduce their air pollution levels by 15% every year. In 2019, India launched 'The National Clean Air Programme' with a tentative national target of a 20-30% reduction in PM2.5 and PM10 concentrations by 2024. The government is also working on its first State Air Quality Action Plans and Regional Airshed Action Plan for the Indo Gangetic Plains, spanning seven union territories and states.

Impact on life expectancy and cognitive ability

India's air pollution is caused by a variety of factors, including industrial and vehicular emissions, construction, waste burning, and the use of thermal power for electricity. India is home to some of the world's most air-polluted cities, with 11 of the top 20 in 2024. This has led to a major public health crisis, causing the premature deaths of around 2 million Indians annually.

Air pollution has severe impacts on both physical and mental health, contributing to respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, and potentially impacting cognitive ability and life expectancy. While most research on the cognitive effects of air pollution has been conducted in high-income countries, there is a growing body of research indicating that air pollution is negatively associated with cognitive function in India, particularly among older adults.

Indoor air pollution, particularly in rural areas, is a significant issue in India. The use of solid biomass fuels like firewood, crop residue, cow dung, and coal for cooking and heating results in poor indoor air quality. Prolonged exposure to these conditions may negatively impact cognitive function. A study utilizing data from the Longitudinal Aging Study in India (LASI) found that indoor air pollution was higher in the Northern and Eastern regions, and this correlated with lower cognitive scores in these areas.

Traditional cooking practices, agricultural biomass burning, and forest fires are major sources of indoor and outdoor air pollution in these regions. The use of incense sticks, a deep-rooted part of Indian culture, also contributes to indoor air pollution. Additionally, households without a separate kitchen or electricity were found to have significantly worse cognitive abilities, possibly due to increased exposure to indoor air pollutants.

The impact of air pollution on cognitive ability is complex and influenced by various factors. Some studies suggest that traffic load and exposure to pollutants like PM2.5, black carbon, and PAH can have adverse effects on cognitive performance and increase the risk of dementia. Genetic factors, such as APO E and HFE C28y allele status, may also play a role in intensifying the negative effects of air pollution on cognition.

Overall, air pollution in India has far-reaching consequences, impacting not only physical health but also potentially contributing to cognitive decline, particularly among older adults and those exposed to indoor air pollution. Addressing air pollution in India is crucial to mitigate its impacts on public health and improve life expectancy.

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