The alarming rise of pollution in southern and eastern India, surpassing the Indo-Gangetic Plain (IGP), has been highlighted by a recent study. Due to urbanization, mining activities, and unfavorable meteorological conditions, the air pollution level in these regions is increasing rapidly. The study also points out an increase in rural area pollution levels and emphasizes the need for a shift from an urban-centric approach towards a more inclusive policy.
Study Details: A Comprehensive Analysis
The study commissioned by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and carried out in conjunction with IIT-Delhi analyzes pollution data from 2000 to 2019. Currently, there’s an ongoing analysis of 2020 data too, which is expected to show a decrease in pollution levels. One unique aspect of this study is its use of satellite data, providing a spatial perspective on air pollution, an approach critical for future policy formation under the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP).
Findings of the Study: The Rising PM2.5 Levels
The study revealed an annual increase of more than 1.6% in PM2.5 levels over eastern and southern India, compared to less than 1.2% in the IGP. PM2.5 refers to fine inhalable particles that pose significant risks to the environment, human health, and climate. Alarmingly, 436 cities/towns with populations over 1 lakh exhibited PM2.5 levels exceeding the National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS) in 2019. Furthermore, 99.5% of India’s districts failed to meet the World Health Organisation (WHO) air quality guideline in 2019.
State-wise Scenario: The Varied Levels of Pollution
All states, barring Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, and Nagaland, found their ambient PM2.5 levels surpassing the annual NAAQS. The situation is particularly worrisome in IGP and the western arid region, where PM2.5 levels are double the annual NAAQS. Odisha and Chhattisgarh have reported the highest increase in air pollution in eastern India, attributed to mining activities and thermal coal power plants. Additionally, rapid urbanization in southern Indian cities such as Bengaluru and Hyderabad has exacerbated the problem.
Urban-Rural Divide: A Closer Look
The study also sheds light on the rise of PM2.5 levels across the urban-rural divide, using Delhi as a case study where PM2.5 increased by 10.9% between 2001 to 2015. Surprisingly, rural India saw an even larger increase of 11.9% in the same period due to heavy dependence on solid fuel for domestic use. This indicates that air quality issues exist beyond city limits, demanding a broader, more inclusive approach to tackle it.
Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY): A Ray of Hope?
Schemes like PMUY, aiming to decrease pollution levels, are a step towards combating this problem. However, their effectiveness hinges on sustained use and progress tracking. As households contribute to over 50% of ambient PM2.5 in rural areas, successful implementation of such schemes could potentially arrest or even reverse the increasing trend in rural PM2.5 levels.
