Recent studies reveal a troubling rise in air pollution across Indian cities. A report published on November 21, 2024, by Respirer Living Sciences shows that 149 out of 281 surveyed cities fall into the poor air quality category. The study focused on data collected two weeks post-Diwali. It marks the severe pollution levels particularly in the Indo-Gangetic Plain and northern regions, with Delhi being the most affected city.
Current Air Quality Trends
The analysis indicates that the number of cities classified as ‘Very Poor’ has doubled from 16 to 32. This sharp increase is attributed to early winter conditions. Temperature inversions and reduced wind speeds have trapped pollutants near the ground. Delhi recorded a staggering PM2.5 average of 243.3 µg/m³, marking a 19.5% rise in just two weeks.
Regional Disparities
While northern cities struggle with hazardous pollution, some southern and northeastern regions enjoy cleaner air. Imphal in Manipur reported an impressive PM2.5 level of 14.2 µg/m³, while Ariyalur in Tamil Nadu recorded 15.0 µg/m³. These areas benefit from favourable geography, effective local interventions, and minimal industrial activity.
Causes of Pollution
The study puts stress on multiple factors contributing to the air quality crisis. Urbanisation, industrial emissions, and seasonal agricultural practices like stubble burning play important roles. The combination of these elements exacerbates pollution levels, especially in densely populated regions.
Call for Urgent Action
The report calls for immediate action to mitigate air pollution. It suggests implementing stricter emission norms, promoting alternatives to stubble burning, and enhancing air quality monitoring systems. Collaborative efforts across states are essential to address cross-border pollution issues.
Future Strategies
A multi-faceted approach is necessary to combat this crisis. Authorities need to adopt innovative solutions to reduce emissions and improve air quality. Public awareness and community involvement are crucial for successful implementation of these strategies.
Questions for UPSC:
- Examine the impact of seasonal agricultural practices on air quality in India.
- Critically discuss the role of urbanisation in exacerbating air pollution in major Indian cities.
- Analyse the effectiveness of current air quality monitoring systems in India.
- Estimate the potential benefits of stricter emission norms on public health and environment.
Answer Hints:
1. Examine the impact of seasonal agricultural practices on air quality in India.
- Stubble burning is contributor to air pollution, especially post-harvest in northern states.
- Seasonal agricultural practices coincide with weather patterns that exacerbate pollution, such as winter temperature inversions.
- These practices release particulate matter and other pollutants into the atmosphere, reducing air quality.
- Regions heavily reliant on agriculture often face seasonal spikes in pollution levels, impacting health.
- Mitigation strategies, like promoting alternative methods to stubble burning, can improve air quality.
2. Critically discuss the role of urbanisation in exacerbating air pollution in major Indian cities.
- Urbanisation increases vehicular traffic, leading to higher emissions of pollutants.
- Rapid industrial growth in urban areas contributes to air pollution through industrial emissions.
- Population density in cities leads to increased waste generation and inadequate waste management practices.
- Urban heat islands can exacerbate pollution levels, trapping heat and pollutants closer to the ground.
- The need for sustainable urban planning is critical to mitigate the pollution effects of urbanisation.
3. Analyse the effectiveness of current air quality monitoring systems in India.
- Current monitoring systems are limited in coverage, often lacking in rural and semi-urban areas.
- Data collection is inconsistent, affecting the reliability of air quality assessments.
- There is a need for real-time monitoring and more comprehensive data analysis techniques.
- Public access to air quality data is essential for raising awareness and encouraging action.
- Investing in advanced technology and infrastructure can enhance the effectiveness of monitoring systems.
4. Estimate the potential benefits of stricter emission norms on public health and environment.
- Stricter emission norms can reduce the concentration of harmful pollutants in the air.
- Improved air quality can lead to a decrease in respiratory and cardiovascular diseases among the population.
- Healthier populations reduce healthcare costs and improve overall productivity and quality of life.
- Stricter norms can encourage technological innovations in clean energy and sustainable practices.
- Long-term environmental benefits include reduced climate change impacts and improved ecosystem health.
