India’s Air Pollution Crisis

India faces air pollution crisis. Recent reports indicate that thirteen of the world’s twenty most polluted cities are located in India. Byrnihat in Assam leads the list, while Delhi remains the most polluted capital globally. Despite some improvements in air quality, India continues to grapple with severe pollution issues.

Current Air Quality Status

In 2024, India ranked as the fifth most polluted country, down from third in 2023. The country recorded a 7 per cent decline in PM2.5 levels, averaging 50.6 micrograms per cubic metre. However, Delhi’s pollution levels remain alarmingly high, with an annual average of 91.6 micrograms per cubic metre. Six of the ten most polluted cities in the world are in India, denoting the ongoing environmental challenges.

Health Implications

Air pollution has dire health consequences. Studies indicate that pollution reduces life expectancy in India by approximately 5.2 years. From 2009 to 2019, around 1.5 million deaths annually were potentially linked to long-term exposure to PM2.5 pollution. PM2.5 particles are tiny and can infiltrate the lungs and bloodstream, leading to serious health issues, including respiratory problems and heart disease.

Sources of Air Pollution

The primary sources of PM2.5 pollution include vehicle emissions, industrial discharges, and the burning of biomass. Urban areas are particularly affected due to dense traffic and industrial activities. Agricultural practices, such as crop burning, also contribute to air quality degradation.

Government and Expert Recommendations

Experts emphasise the need for immediate action to combat air pollution. Soumya Swaminathan, former WHO chief scientist, advocates for replacing biomass with cleaner alternatives like LPG. Increasing subsidies for the poorest families can help improve their health and reduce pollution levels. Additionally, expanding public transport and implementing fines for high-emission vehicles are crucial steps.

Enforcement of Regulations

Strict enforcement of emission laws is vital. Industries and construction sites must adhere to regulations and invest in technology to reduce emissions. A combination of incentives for compliance and penalties for non-compliance is necessary to achieve meaningful improvements in air quality.

Public Awareness and Action

Raising public awareness about the health impacts of air pollution is essential. Communities must be encouraged to advocate for cleaner air and support initiatives aimed at reducing pollution. Public engagement can drive policy changes and promote healthier practices.

Future Directions

Continued monitoring and data collection on air quality are essential. While progress has been made, sustained efforts are required to address the root causes of pollution. Collaborative efforts between government, industry, and communities will be crucial for achieving long-term improvements in air quality.

Questions for UPSC:

1. Examine the health impacts of air pollution in urban areas of India.
2. Discuss the role of industrial emissions in contributing to air pollution in India and suggest mitigation strategies.
3. What are the challenges in enforcing air quality regulations in India? How can these be addressed?
4. Analyse the effectiveness of public transport systems in reducing urban air pollution. Provide examples from Indian cities.

Answer Hints:

1. Examine the health impacts of air pollution in urban areas of India.

1. Air pollution reduces life expectancy in India by approximately 5.2 years.
2. Long-term exposure to PM2.5 is linked to 1.5 million deaths annually from 2009 to 2019.
3. PM2.5 particles can penetrate lungs and bloodstream, causing respiratory issues and heart disease.
4. Vulnerable populations, including children and the elderly, are disproportionately affected.
5. Increased healthcare costs and burden on public health systems due to pollution-related illnesses.

2. Discuss the role of industrial emissions in contributing to air pollution in India and suggest mitigation strategies.

1. Industries are source of PM2.5 and other pollutants, particularly in urban areas.
2. Emissions from factories and construction sites contribute to deteriorating air quality.
3. Mitigation strategies include stricter emission regulations and enforcement of compliance.
4. Investment in cleaner technologies and renewable energy sources can reduce industrial emissions.
5. Incentives for industries to adopt sustainable practices and penalties for non-compliance can be effective.

3. What are the challenges in enforcing air quality regulations in India? How can these be addressed?

1. Lack of political will and insufficient funding for enforcement agencies hampers regulation implementation.
2. Corruption and non-compliance among industries and construction sites pose challenges.
3. Inadequate monitoring and data collection systems limit the effectiveness of regulations.
4. Public awareness and engagement are often low, reducing community support for enforcement.
5. Addressing these challenges requires stronger governance, increased funding, and community involvement in air quality initiatives.

4. Analyse the effectiveness of public transport systems in reducing urban air pollution. Provide examples from Indian cities.

1. Public transport systems can reduce the number of vehicles on roads, lowering emissions.
2. Delhi’s metro system has successfully decreased traffic congestion and improved air quality in the region.
3. Bus rapid transit systems in cities like Ahmedabad have shown potential in reducing pollution levels.
4. Investments in electric buses and cleaner technologies can further enhance public transport’s effectiveness.
5. Challenges include inadequate infrastructure and public perception; addressing these can improve usage and impact.