Air Pollution

Syllabus: Air Pollution

 Source: IE

Context:  Air quality in Delhi slipped into the ‘poor’ category (AQI 200-300) for the first time since mid-June, signalling the imminent arrival of North India’s bad air season.

Air pollution data:

1. Global ranking: According to IQAir’s 2023 report, India is ranked as the third most polluted country globally.
2. 5 concentration: The average PM2.5 concentration in India stands at 54.4 μg/m³.
3. Economic impact: Air pollution results in an estimated economic loss of ₹2.7 lakh crore annually, accounting for 1.36% of the GDP.

 Causes of air pollution:

Natural causes:

1. Wildfires and dust storms: Natural events like wildfires and dust storms contribute to the spread of particulate matter in the air.
2. Volcanic activity: Volcanic eruptions emit gases such as Sulfur dioxide, impacting air quality regionally and globally.

 Anthropogenic causes:

1. Vehicular emissions: Cars and industrial transportation are key sources of nitrogen oxides (NOx) and particulate matter (PM).
2. Industrial emissions: Factories release pollutants like Sulfur oxides (SOx) and carbon dioxide (CO2), contributing to local and global air pollution.
3. Stubble burning: Common in Punjab, Haryana, and UP, this practice exacerbates pollution, especially in Delhi-NCR during winter.
4. Waste burning: Open burning of solid waste releases harmful chemicals into the air, further deteriorating air quality.
5. Coal-based power plants: These plants contribute to over half of the SO2 emissions and 30% of NOx emissions in India.

 Impact of air pollution:

1. Health: It causes respiratory issues, heart disease, and premature deaths, with PM2.5 being the most harmful pollutant.
2. Environment: Air pollution leads to acid rain, which damages crops and ecosystems, and contributes to climate change.
3. Economic Loss: According to the World Bank, air pollution causes a significant reduction in workforce productivity, GDP growth, and healthcare costs.

 Measures to control air pollution:

1. Technological interventions:

• Air quality monitoring: Enhancing infrastructure for real-time air quality monitoring can help with early warnings and targeted actions.
• Emission norms: Strengthening and expanding Bharat Stage VI norms for vehicles, along with the promotion of electric vehicles (EVs), can help reduce emissions.
• Use of renewable energy: Transitioning from coal-based power plants to solar, wind, and other renewable sources can reduce harmful emissions.

2. Policy interventions:

• National Clean Air Programme (NCAP): Aimed at reducing PM2.5 levels by 20-40% by 2026, NCAP emphasizes coordinated efforts across states and sectors.
• Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP): Especially for Delhi-NCR, GRAP implements emergency measures during severe pollution episodes.
• Stubble management programs: Encouraging farmers to adopt alternative methods to burning, like using bio-decomposers, can mitigate seasonal pollution spikes.

3. Community and behavioral changes:

• Public awareness: Awareness campaigns on the health impacts of air pollution and encouraging citizens to adopt cleaner practices like carpooling and waste segregation.
• Green urban spaces: Expanding green belts in urban areas can help absorb pollutants and improve overall air quality.

Conclusion:

India’s air pollution crisis requires a sustained, multi-sectoral approach that prioritizes long-term solutions over short-term optics. Drawing inspiration from global best practices, India must focus on integrating scientific methods, technological solutions, and public engagement to tackle air pollution effectively.

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