India's Pollution Crisis: Why It's So Bad

India is one of the most polluted countries in the world. In 2019, 21 out of the 30 most polluted cities in the world were in India. The country's pollution is caused by a combination of geographical factors and human activities. India's geographical location near the Himalayas prevents air pollution from dispersing, trapping it within the country. Human activities such as industrial emissions, vehicular pollution, thermal power plants, construction dust, waste burning, and the use of wood and dung for cooking contribute significantly to the country's air pollution. Additionally, India's growing economy and industrialization have exacerbated the pollution problem. While the government has implemented initiatives like the National Clean Air Program to address the issue, air pollution remains a critical challenge, causing approximately 2 million premature deaths in India annually.

Industrial and vehicular emissions

India is the world's fourth-largest emitter of greenhouse gases, contributing 7.08% of global emissions. The country's rapid economic growth and development have unleashed several environmental problems, including rising emissions of CO2 and air pollutants such as nitrogen oxides (NOx) and fine particulate matter (PM2.5).

Industrial Emissions

Industrial emissions are a significant contributor to India's poor air quality. In 2016, it was estimated that 51% of India's air pollution was caused by industrial pollution. Industrial activities, including power plants, contribute to the release of harmful pollutants such as sulfur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen oxides (NOx). The country's 246 coal-fired power plants, most of which are inefficient and highly polluting, account for 60% of India's total electricity production. Despite implementing tough emissions standards for power plants, state-owned utilities have failed to comply with these regulations.

Additionally, tyre pyrolysis plants, which recycle rubber tyres, are widespread in India and contribute to severe air pollution. The country's dependence on thermal power for electricity and the burning of waste, construction debris, and biomass for cooking and heating further exacerbate industrial emissions.

Vehicular Emissions

The transport sector is a major contributor to India's air pollution, particularly in urban areas. Vehicular emissions account for 27% of the country's air pollution and are a primary source of carbon monoxide (CO), a highly toxic gas that affects the body's ability to absorb oxygen. The transport sector is responsible for 8% of India's total greenhouse gas emissions, with road transport accounting for three-quarters of these emissions. Cities like New Delhi, Bangalore, Mumbai, and Kolkata have some of the highest levels of NOx emissions in the country, which are linked to vehicular pollution.

The rapid increase in vehicle registrations, with India being the fifth-largest global car manufacturer, further exacerbates the problem. The use of adulterated fuel blends, particularly in public transport, increases tailpipe emissions of harmful pollutants. However, India is taking steps to address vehicular emissions by adopting stricter fuel and emission norms, incentivizing the adoption of electric vehicles, and implementing the Bharat Stage (BS) emission standards to regulate air pollutants from internal combustion engines.

Both industrial and vehicular emissions play a significant role in India's poor air quality. While industrial activities, power plants, and the burning of waste and biomass contribute to pollution, the growing transport sector, with its high emissions of greenhouse gases and air pollutants, is a major concern. India is taking measures to address these issues, but the implementation and enforcement of regulations remain crucial for effective air pollution control.

Construction dust and debris

India's rapid development and urbanisation have resulted in a construction boom, with around 70% of the buildings in its cities yet to be built by 2030. This has led to a significant increase in construction dust and debris, which is a major contributor to the country's air pollution. Construction and demolition activities generate high levels of pollution, including windblown dust and debris that can remain in the air for extended periods, affecting both nearby areas and locations far from the source.

The Indian construction industry produces about 10-12 million tons of waste annually, and poor waste management practices further exacerbate the problem. Builders often cut corners, and cities like Delhi lack the infrastructure to handle the vast amounts of construction waste produced, with an estimated daily deficit of 2,600 tons. The dust and debris from construction sites pollute the environment, and temporary bans on construction can leave sites exposed, stirring up dust and making the situation worse.

The process of mixing concrete alone contributes significantly to pollution, with an Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur study estimating it accounts for 10% of coarse pollutants in Delhi's air. Less polluting methods exist, but they are often more expensive, and cost-saving measures like manual labour are commonly employed. The lack of dust preventive measures, such as covering trucks transporting raw materials, and the absence of fences to contain windblown dust, further contribute to the issue.

Construction sites in Delhi, a highly polluted city, have been found to exceed safe air quality limits by at least three times, with workers bearing the brunt of the pollution. The dust kicked up by vehicles along the city's roads also contributes significantly to harmful pollutants, and the production of construction materials like bricks and concrete adds to the pollution burden. Environmental groups advocate for better control of construction dust, recognising that it is a critical but often neglected aspect of improving air quality in Indian cities.

Thermal power plants

India's power generation is primarily dependent on burning coal, with coal-based thermal power plants generating about 75% of the country's electricity. These plants are among the most inefficient, polluting, and water-intensive in the world. The Green Rating Project, a two-year study by the New Delhi-based think tank Centre for Science and Environment (CSE), found that the sector's performance was way below global benchmarks. The study also warned that carbon emissions from these plants are rising rapidly and will continue to increase in the near future.

The inefficiency of India's coal-based thermal power plants stems from their heavy water usage, with the plants withdrawing around 22 billion cubic meters of water annually, more than half of India's domestic water needs. Additionally, the plants are operating at only 60-70% capacity, and if capacity utilization is improved, the sector can meet additional power requirements without building new plants.

Coal-based thermal power plants emit various pollutants into the air, including sulphur dioxide (SO2), carbon monoxide (CO), oxides of nitrogen (NOx), ozone (O3), suspended particulate matter (SPM), lead, and non-methane hydrocarbons. These emissions contribute to air pollution, with harmful effects on human health, causing illnesses and premature deaths. The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has acknowledged the importance of emission standards, and the 2015 standards, if implemented, could have resulted in significant progress in reducing NOx, SOx, PM, and mercury emissions. However, there has been a lack of compliance with these standards, and the matter is now before the Supreme Court.

The impact of coal-based thermal power plants extends beyond air pollution. Water used for washing coal can contaminate water bodies if not properly treated, affecting aquatic flora and fauna. Additionally, fly ash generated by these plants, if not appropriately managed, can pollute the soil and contribute to environmental and human health risks. Noise pollution is also a concern, as high noise levels from equipment such as boilers, turbines, and crushers can affect the people working in the plants.

The Central Electricity Authority (CEA) has set standards for the longevity of power plants, recommending renovation or retirement after 25 years and discontinuing operation after 35 years. However, many Indian power plants are approaching or exceeding these marks, indicating the need for renewed focus on emission standards and the implementation of renewable energy sources to reduce the country's reliance on coal-based thermal power.

Waste burning

Open waste burning, including agricultural waste and biomass burning, is a primary cause of the near-permanent haze and smoke observed over India in satellite images. India is the world's largest consumer of fuelwood, agricultural waste, and biomass for energy purposes. The burning of biomass and firewood is prevalent in both rural and urban areas, where they are used for cooking and heating needs. The carbon-containing gases released from biomass fuels are far more reactive than cleaner fuels like liquefied petroleum gas (LPG).

Biomass burning, including the use of cow dung cakes, is a significant source of indoor air pollution and carbon monoxide poisoning in India. While LPG has satisfied more than 50% of India's cooking energy needs as of 2020, an estimated 100 million people still rely on biomass sources for cooking. The use of biomass fuels for cooking is five to ten times more polluting than using a gas stove.

Crop residue burning, a traditional and cheap method of clearing fields, is a major source of smoke, smog, and particulate pollution, particularly in autumn and spring. Despite government bans and interventions, this practice persists due to its convenience and the challenges of adopting alternative methods. Studies have estimated that agricultural residue burning caused 44,000 to 98,000 premature deaths annually from 2003 to 2019, with economic impacts valued at billions of US dollars.

If current trends continue, open waste burning is projected to become India's largest source of air pollution by 2035, surpassing residential biofuel usage, which is expected to phase out by then. To address this issue, strong policies are needed to promote recycling and upcycling non-biodegradable waste and convert biodegradable waste into biogas. Additionally, decentralized waste management systems and proactive measures to prevent fires at dumpsites can help reduce waste burning and improve air quality.

Use of wood and dung for cooking

India's air pollution is caused by a combination of factors, including industrial and vehicular emissions, construction dust, and the burning of crops. However, one significant contributor is the use of wood and dung for cooking, which is a major source of indoor air pollution, particularly in rural areas.

Wood and dung-based fuel is still used for cooking by over two-thirds of Indians, amounting to more than 100 million people. This practice releases particulate matter and carbon-containing gases, which have severe health impacts. According to the World Health Organization's Household Air Pollution and Health report, over 50% of premature deaths among children under five are caused by pneumonia induced by indoor air pollution. Moreover, exposure to such pollution is linked to non-communicable diseases, including stroke, ischemic heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and lung cancer. The use of wood and dung for cooking is also associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes, such as low birth weight and stillbirths.

The preference for wood and dung as cooking fuels in rural India is largely due to their easy availability and low cost. Cow dung, in particular, is readily accessible to villagers as it is a by-product of their cattle. However, the use of these biofuels has severe environmental and health consequences. Dried cow dung, for example, releases more particulate matter than wood and other biofuels. The smoke and air pollutants produced by burning wood are also concerning, and India burns ten times more fuelwood annually than the United States.

The Indian government has attempted to address this issue by phasing out kerosene and coal use through various programs. However, these initiatives have had limited success in reducing biofuel use, as many continue to opt for cheaper and more accessible fuel sources. To effectively mitigate air pollution and its associated health risks, a comprehensive approach is necessary, involving education, policy changes, and the widespread adoption of sustainable and affordable energy alternatives.

The transition to cleaner energy sources is crucial not only for improving air quality but also for empowering women in rural areas. Currently, women in these communities spend significant time collecting fuel, which could otherwise be dedicated to income generation and their children's education. Sustainable cooking energy options would address MDG 4 (reduce child mortality), MDG 5 (improve maternal health), and MDG 3 (bolster gender equity).

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