( PM Refers to performance metrics)India’s air quality crisis isn’t just a winter problem centered around Delhi and firecrackers its a widespread, year-round issue impacting the entire country, and the severity is often underestimated. While we associate pollution with the AQI crossing 500 during winter, the reality is much more concerning.
IQAirs’ recent report highlights a critical point: Indian air quality standards are far more lenient than European ones. What we classify as moderate yellow air quality, Europe considers extremely poor dark red. This suggests people are being misled about how clean the air truly is.
Think about it this way: PM2.5 particles, incredibly tiny and 130 times narrower than a strand of hair, are the main culprit. These microscopic particles are so small that they bypass our natural defenses and enter our lungs, then our bloodstream. This, in turn, elevates the risk of serious heart conditions like strokes. The consequences are particularly devastating for children, who breathe in proportionally more air than adults, exposing them to a higher concentration of these harmful pollutants.
Interestingly, regardless of location, whether it’s Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, or Bangalore, the root causes of air pollution are remarkably similar across India.
And here’s a shocking revelation: Delhi isn’t even the most polluted city in the world. You might assume the title belongs to a major city in North India or even a location in Africa or China. However, the 2024 IQAir report names Byrnihat, a small city bordering Assam and Meghalaya in northeastern India, as the most polluted city globally. It’s a surprise, given the region’s reputation for lush forests and clean waterways. This example perfectly illustrates how the problem extends far beyond the commonly discussed areas and underscores the urgency of addressing air quality across the nation.
India faces a year-round air pollution crisis, a reality often misunderstood. It’s not just a winter problem in the north; it is a nationwide concern impacting cities from Kashmir to Kanyakumari, Mumbai to Kolkata, and Chennai to Bangalore 24/7, 365 days a year.
The scale, the points to the IQAir website, which ranks the world’s most polluted cities. Scrolling through the list, you’ll quickly see a pervasive presence of the Indian flag, indicating a significant number of Indian cities consistently appear amongst the worst. The shocking truth is that nearly all 1.4 billion Indians are breathing air that fails to meet World Health Organization standards.
While the specifics vary by region, the fundamental causes of this pervasive pollution share common roots across the country. The speaker urges viewers to check their local Air Quality Index AQI using a weather app and to note the PM2.5 level measured in micrograms per meter cubed. For example, the World Air Quality Report 2024 reveals that, on average, India’s air contains a staggering 506 micrograms per meter cubed of PM2.5 throughout the entire year. This is a crucial figure highlighting the severity of the crisis because it’s a persistent problem, not just a seasonal anomaly.
Okay, lets break down the concerning gap between Indian and international air quality standards. The core issue is this: India’s air quality benchmarks are significantly less stringent than those recommended by the World Health Organization WHO and European guidelines. Most of us are breathing air that doesn’t meet globally accepted safety levels, even when it’s not peak pollution season.
The problem stems from a normalization of poor air quality in India. Many mistakenly believe the air is clean when the Air Quality Index AQI falls between 150 and 200. This is understandable because, according to Indian standards, this AQI range is classified as moderate and gets a yellow color code. But this perception is dangerously misleading.
To illustrate the difference, let’s look at PM2.5.,5 the tiny, harmful particulate matter concentrations:
- WHO Guidelines: PM2.5 should be below 5 micrograms per cubic meter g/m for an annual average to be considered safe.
- Indian Standards: PM2.5 under 30 g/m is considered good green, and up to 90 g/m is classified as moderate yellow.
- European Guidelines: PM2.5 below 10 g/m is considered good. Above 20 g/m moves into the medium category, and above 25 falls into the poor category.
Consider this example: if PM2.5 levels reach 75 g/m, European standards would categorize it as an extremely poor dark red color code. Under Indian standards, the same level is still only considered moderate yellow. This vast discrepancy highlights the flawed nature of using the Indian AQI scale as a reliable indicator of health and safety. The speaker admits to being shocked when they first realized the extent of the difference and emphasizes it’s not the public’s fault due to the widespread acceptance of these lenient standards.
Essentially, India’s classification system downplays the severity of air pollution, putting public health at risk.
Delhi’s air quality in 2024 was shockingly severe, so bad that not a single day met even India’s relatively lenient air quality standards. Even the best day, August 8th, registered an Air Quality Index AQI of 53, just above the good threshold of 50. This crisis is driven primarily by particulate matter PM, tiny particles suspended in the air that pose a grave threat to human health.
There are three main categories of PM, classified by size:
- PM10: These are larger particles, up to 10 micrometers in diameter. Think dust and pollen. You can visualize how small these are; they are significantly larger than PM2.5 and PM0.1.
- PM2.5: These are significantly smaller, up to 2.5 micrometers. To put it in perspective, they’re roughly 1/130th the width of a single human hair
- PM0.1 Ultrafine Particulate Matter: The most concerning of all, measuring 0.1 micrometers or less. These particles are so minuscule that they can pass directly into your bloodstream after being inhaled.
Here’s how these PM sizes impact our bodies:
Our natural defense mechanisms effectively filter out many PM10 particles, trapping them in the nose and throat, leading to common symptoms like irritation, sneezing, and coughing. However, PM2.5 and especially PM0.1 bypass this defense, penetrating deep into the lungs. This can cause inflammation, increase the risk of respiratory illnesses like asthma and bronchitis, and critically, heighten the likelihood of lung cancer.
The financial impact of this pollution crisis is also significant. We highlight a sobering reality: Treating pollution-related diseases is very expensive. A hospital stay for a lung infection can easily cost between 5 and 10 lakh rupees, a burden many aren’t prepared for.
Beyond the financial protection, this chapter highlights a growing threat: air pollution. Specifically, those tiny PM particles like smoke and black carbon are silently damaging our health in ways we are only beginning to fully understand. These particles aren’t just affecting our lungs; they enter the bloodstream and travel throughout the body.
Think about it: we’re increasingly hearing stories of young, seemingly healthy individuals in their 30s and 40s experiencing heart attacks and strokes, even if they don’t smoke and maintain a fitness routine. Air pollution, and those microscopic particles, could be a major contributing factor. They directly increase the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and other cardiovascular issues.
The problems don’t stop there. Research suggests that these PM particles can even reach the brain, potentially leading to neurological and mental disorders. Essentially, anything bacteria, viruses, or smoke that gets into the air can become a harmful particle.
The statistics are staggering. A study by the Karolinska Institute in Sweden found that between 2009 and 2019, an estimated 38 to 166 million people may have died in India due to high levels of PM2.5. The vast range speaks to the differing standards used for air quality measurement. Indian standards result in a lower estimate of 38 million, while adhering to international WHO standards significantly increases the potential mortality to 166 million.
Now, let’s address the increasingly serious issue of air pollution in India. A study published by The Lancet reveals a shocking statistic: a staggering 72 of deaths in 10 Indian cities are linked to high levels of PM2.5 tiny, harmful pollutants. That translates to over 33,000 deaths every year in just those 10 cities.
However, there’s a disconnect. Despite this compelling data, India’s Environment Minister, Kirti Vardhan Singh, recently stated in the Lok Sabha that there’s no conclusive data to prove a direct link between air pollution and these deaths. This highlights a significant gap in acknowledging the severity of the problem.
The numbers get even more alarming when you look at the Air Quality Life Index report from the University of Chicago in August 2023. This report dramatically shows how exposure to PM2.5 is shortening the lives of Indians. On average, it reduces lifespan by 5.3 years. But consider these stark regional differences:
- Delhi: A shocking 11.9 years are being shaved off the average lifespan due to pollution.
- Plains of North India: 8 years lost.
To put that in perspective, if you would have naturally lived to be 80 years old without air pollution, you could now only expect to live to around 70. This isn’t just a statistic; it’s a concerning reality.
And it’s particularly devastating for children. Air pollutants are impacting the health and development of children, even in utero, affecting the development of the child in the womb.
Essentially, securing your family’s financial future with term insurance is paramount, especially given the reduced lifespan we’re facing due to the escalating air pollution crisis in India.
India faces a devastating crisis: Air pollution is claiming the lives of newborns at an alarming rate. In 2020 alone, a staggering 116,000 babies died within their first 27 days of life due to air pollution; that’s a newborn dying every 5 minutes. This isn’t just a statistic; it’s a heartbreaking reality impacting countless families.
Why are children so much more vulnerable? It’s a combination of factors. Relative to their body weight, children breathe in more air than adults, and they also tend to spend more time outdoors engaged in physical activities, further increasing their exposure.
Dr. Arvind Kumar, a chest surgeon, paints a grim picture. He’s witnessing firsthand the impact of this pollution, stating that he now routinely sees black deposits in their lungs during surgeries. Worryingly, air pollution is even becoming a significant cause of lung cancer in children, surpassing smoking as a contributing factor.
The severity of the problem isn’t uniform across India. A stark contrast exists between the north and south. North Indian cities grapple with considerably worse air pollution, largely due to geographical factors.
Let’s break down what causes this difference:
- Thermal Inversion: A natural winter phenomenon. As explained, at night, everything is quite cold, and when the sun rises, it warms the upper layers of air. This hot air then traps a layer of colder air near the ground, preventing pollutants from dispersing. Essentially, the pollution gets trapped and concentrated at ground level.
- The Himalayas: This mountain range acts as a barrier, preventing winds from carrying pollutants away, further exacerbating the problem.
The combination of thermal inversion and the Himalayan barrier creates a perfect storm for air pollution in North India, tragically impacting its most vulnerable citizens: newborn babies.
India’s air quality paints a striking picture of a significant North-South divide largely shaped by geography. The Indo-Gangetic Plain, a vast expanse in northern India, experiences a valley effect thanks to the mighty Himalayan mountains. These mountains effectively act as a barrier, preventing air from freely circulating and trapping pollutants within the plain. Think of it like this: the Himalayas, just like the Alps in northern Italy, create a natural wall that slows down airflow and keeps pollutants concentrated within the region. Adding to this, winter brings thermal inversions, a phenomenon where cold air is trapped below warmer air – it’s another culprit behind the higher air pollution levels in northern Italy.
South India, however, enjoys a geographical advantage. Surrounded by seas on three sides, it provides a natural pathway for airflow, causing pollutants to disperse more readily. The climate is also milder, meaning thermal inversions are much less common, a major factor in the better air quality.
Let us look at the numbers to truly understand the impact. Delhi, for instance, has an annual average PM2.5 concentration of 108 micrograms per meter cube, while Kolkatas is a staggering 456. Compare that to Mumbai at 337, Bangalore at just 30, and Chennai at 26. While Chennai boasts the cleanest air, even there PM2.5 levels are five times higher than the recommended safe limit of 5 micrograms per meter cube.
But, geography isn’t the whole story. The biggest driver of air pollution across India, regardless of location, is vehicular emissions. Buses, trucks, and motorcycles running on petrol and diesel churn out a dangerous mix of pollutants like carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, and hydrocarbons. In Delhi, vehicles are directly responsible for a significant 47 of PM2.5 pollution. It’s clear: addressing vehicular pollution is critical to improving air quality across India.
Delhi’s air pollution crisis is deeply intertwined with the explosive growth of its vehicle population. Back in 1998, Delhi had roughly 3 million registered vehicles. Fast forward to 2019, and that number had ballooned to over 12 million a truly staggering increase. And this growth has been a primary driver of the yearly rise in pollution levels.
The government has attempted to address this through increasingly strict emission standards. The most recent major shift came in 2020 with the introduction of BS6 standards. Consider this: under the older BS4 standard, particulate matter PM emissions were capped at 25 mg per kilometer. BS6 slashed that limit drastically to just 45 mg per kilometer. That’s a substantial improvement thanks to newer, cleaner vehicle technology.
The Supreme Court has also taken action, imposing a ban on vehicles older than 15 years within the National Capital Region NCR in an attempt to remove older, more polluting vehicles from the roads. And the efforts don’t stop there; Nitin Gadkari has even mentioned the upcoming BS7 standards just around the corner.
However, there’s a crucial catch. While these emission standards and bans represent progress, they’re struggling to keep pace with the sheer volume of vehicles entering the city. The increase in pollution from the rising vehicle count is outpacing the pollution reduction gained from the stricter standards.
Furthermore, and perhaps more concerningly, government policies often increase car dependency. Building wider roads, highways, and the kind of infrastructure we see across many Indian cities prioritizes cars over other modes of transport. This creates a vicious cycle. Think about Mumbai; in 2016, vehicles accounted for just 16 of the city’s pollution. Now, that figure has jumped to 30 due to this growing reliance on cars. Less space is dedicated to walking, cycling, and public transportation, essentially forcing even those who wouldn’t choose to drive into cars. It’s a situation that contributes to traffic congestion so much so that Kolkata recently ranked second globally in traffic severity, according to a list from a Dutch company.
Essentially, tackling Delhi’s air pollution requires more than just cleaner cars; it requires a fundamental shift away from car dependency and towards more sustainable transport options.
India is facing a serious public transport crisis, and it’s directly linked to worsening air quality. Imagine this: it takes over 34 minutes to travel just 10 kilometers in some cities Bengaluru, Pune, Hyderabad, and Chennai are prime examples of this gridlock. The proposed solution isn’t building more roads and highways, but rather dramatically investing in urban public transportation like metro buses, trains, and trams.
You might be thinking, Why prioritize buses over highways? Well, the data is startling. An NITI Aayog report reveals India has a shockingly low 12 buses per 1,000 people. Compare that to developing nations, where the average is around 5, and dramatically higher numbers in developed countries,s well over 10 buses per 1,000 people.
The trend is even more concerning when looking at specific cities. In Delhi, between 2000 and 2009, the number of government buses increased by just 1, while the number of cars on the road skyrocketed by 9. This shift is reflected in overall public transport usage: a Center for Science and Environment study projects a drastic decline, from 75 in 2000-2001 to a mere 44 by 2030-2031.
The problem is compounded by the fact that 246 out of every 1,000 Indians now own vehicles. Overcrowding, long wait times, and unreliable service actively discourage people from using public transport, pushing them towards private vehicles and contributing significantly to air pollution.
a crucial comparison with developed nations China, Japan, South Korea, and Singapore all of which have dense populations and remarkably clean air. These countries prioritize efficient and accessible public transportation and actively restrict private car use. The simple takeaway: vibrant, reliable public transport is critical for tackling India’s air pollution crisis and ensuring a healthier future. We need urgent action to improve our train and bus services the next 10 years depend on it.
Air pollution in Indian cities is significantly worsened by a trio of interconnected factors: road dust, vehicle emissions, and construction activities. Its a complex problem, and understanding how these elements interact is key to finding solutions.
Think about Singapore theyve even taken the extreme step of limiting the number of cars on the road to manage pollution Now, lets zoom in on India. One major contributor is the synergistic effect between vehicles and road dust. Essentially, when cars and bikes drive on roads, they kick up a massive amount of dust into the air. This dusty haze isnt just unsightly; it is a major pollutant. Specifically, road dust accounts for a startling 26 of PM2.5 pollution those tiny, dangerous particles that penetrate deep into your lungs.
Let us look at some specifics. In Delhi, those ubiquitous potholes and unpaved roads are prime culprits; they contribute to road dust, making up 26 of their PM2.5. Kolkata isn’t far behind with 25, and even Bengaluru sees 23. This problem is exacerbated in areas with heavy traffic or ongoing infrastructure projects, and it is most noticeable during dry winters when the dust hangs visibly in the air.
To combat this temporarily, you’ve probably seen news reports of antismog guns or water-spraying during peak pollution seasons. This technique works by spraying water into the air, effectively weighing down the dust particles and bringing them back to the ground. However, it’s just a band-aid. The real solution lies in better infrastructure: well-paved roads with proper footpaths and green belts alongside them offering a natural barrier against dust. Remember, plants help trap dust and provide a cleaner air buffer. Also, its crucial potholes need to be filled.
Finally, let’s address construction. It’s a huge contributor, responsible for 20-30% of air pollution across the country. The problem is even more acute in certain cities. In Delhi, a staggering 84 percent of PM2.5 pollution comes from construction sites. Mumbai isn’t immune either, with construction contributing 9 of their total PM. The process releases a dusty cocktail of cement, sand, and other building materials directly into the air. Just imagine the scale – an average construction site generates around 300 kilograms of dust every single day.
Essentially, tackling air pollution in India isn’t just about reducing car emissions; it requires a holistic approach that addresses road maintenance, supports green infrastructure, and significantly improves construction site management.
Delhi’s air pollution is a complex problem with several contributing factors, and while temporary bans on construction are sometimes implemented, the lasting solution lies in consistent enforcement of existing regulations. One major culprit is construction itself. Regulations require dust and windbreaking walls around construction sites, but they’re often ignored, with just a token sheet put up instead. Think about it: trucks hauling sand and cement to these sites kick up massive amounts of dust along the way too. The rules mandate covering these trucks and washing their wheels, but again, this often goes unheeded.
Beyond construction, the infamous issue of stubble burning, where farmers burn leftover crop residue, receives significant media attention, and while it’s a problem, its contribution to overall pollution might be less than commonly perceived. According to the central government, stubble burning accounted for roughly 10 of Delhi’s air pollution during October- December of 2024. There was a peak on October 8th where it was at 35, showing it to be impactful on those days.
But why do farmers engage in this practice it is deeply tied to the region’s agricultural history and a current water crisis. Before the 1960s Green Revolution, rice cultivation was minimal, covering only around 7%% of agricultural land in Punjab. To combat grain shortages, the government actively encouraged farmers to prioritize just two crops: wheat and rice. This shift, while initially intended to solve food security issues, has created a system where quickly clearing fields after harvest, often through burning, is the most economical option, particularly given the severe water constraints farmers face.
Punjabs story with the Green Revolution is a complex one a tale of remarkable success and concerning environmental consequences. Initially, the Green Revolution, which focused on boosting grain production, worked wonders, achieving self-sufficiency for India within just a few years. However, it triggered a chain reaction of problems, primarily due to the water-intensive nature of rice cultivation.
The early strategy, encouraging the use of groundwater through bore wells, backfired spectacularly. As one expert explains, the groundwater levels started decreasing in Punjab at a slow but steady depletion, leading to a serious crisis. To address this, the Punjab government intervened in 2009 with the Punjab Preservation of Subsoil Water Act. This act aimed to reduce groundwater reliance by shifting the rice planting season from May to June, forcing farmers to rely on monsoon rainwater instead.
But this solution created another hurdle. Delaying planting by a month pushed the harvest from September to October, compressing the timeframe for planting winter crops. Farmers, faced with limited time and financial constraints, turned to a quick and inexpensive solution: stubble burning, burning the leftover rice stalks after harvest.
While the Air Prevention and Control of Pollution Act of 1981 already prohibited stubble burning, imposing penalties proved ineffective. The cost of paying the fine was often less than the expense of alternative methods. Consider this: investing in machinery like Happy Seeder machines, rotavators, and balers designed to deal with stubble without burning it is simply beyond the reach of many average farmers.
The path forward, according to us, hinges on two key solutions: first, making these alternative technologies accessible to farmers, either through subsidized pricing or free provision, and second, encouraging farmers to diversify their crops, moving away from the water-guzzling rice altogether. It’s a delicate balance sustaining food security while safeguarding Punjabs’ precious resources
India’s air pollution crisis is complex, stemming from several major sources and demanding multifaceted solutions, though progress remains challenging. Let us break down the key contributors and the governments’ responses.
First, and significantly, is agricultural burning, particularly of crop residue after harvests. Farmers often burn this stubble to clear fields quickly and cheaply, especially after rice harvesting. This practice releases massive amounts of particulate matter PM2.5, a particularly harmful pollutant. While the central government claims to have allocated a substantial 3333 billion, roughly 40 billion USD, under the Crop Residue Management Programme since 2018, many records indicate this is insufficient. State governments, like Punjab, requesting an additional 12 billion, around 145 million USD, are often denied further funding. The core issue is economic: farmers need incentives to adopt alternatives to burning, and cultivating crops like millets, which require less water and produce less residue, is only viable if it’s as profitable as rice.
Beyond agriculture, vehicle emissions are a major factor, but the video doesn’t provide concrete numbers, so we’ll focus on the other prominent contributors. Construction activities generate dust and pollutants, and dust storms, particularly affecting northern India, add to the problem.
The fifth and arguably most significant industrial pollution. Industries like chemicals, textiles, cement, steel, refineries, and power plants release not only PM2.5 but also harmful gases like sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxide, and carbon monoxide. The impact varies by city: industries contribute to 15-18% of Delhi’s air pollution, 24-25% in Kolkata, 18 in Mumbai, and 20-22 in Chennai. To combat this, strict regulations are needed. A prime example: in 2017, the Supreme Court banned petroleum coke, a highly polluting fuel. Delhi itself has taken demonstrable action; it once had three thermal power plants, but through phased closures one in 2009, another in 2015, and the last by 2018 Delhi is now the only state in India without a thermal power station. Shifting to renewable energy sources like solar is a key strategy, but its not a complete solution. The pollution isn’t confined to Delhi; the surrounding industrial regions of Gurgaon, Meerut, Noida, and Faridabad continue to contribute significantly. Addressing industrial pollution, therefore, requires a broader regional approach and consistent enforcement of environmental regulations.
The National Clean Air Programme NCAP, launched in January 2019 with the ambitious goal of reducing PM10 levels in 131 of India’s most polluted cities by 40 from 2017-18 levels by 2025-26, has fallen significantly short of expectations. While a substantial 10,566 billion was allocated, only 6806 billion, roughly 64 has actually been spent.
The real issue isn’t just the underutilization of funds but how the money was spent. A staggering 67 of the expenditure was dedicated to temporary dust control measures, like simply spraying water on roads. As the points out, this is a fleeting solution – spraying water reduces pollution for only a few hours, but will it lead to any long-term change It highlights the missed opportunity to invest in more sustainable solutions, giving the example of providing farmers with machinery to curb stubble burning, a major pollution source.
Here’s a breakdown of where the funding went :
- Dust Control: 67
- Biomass Burning: 14
- Vehicular Pollution: 12 God knows exactly how that was used
- Industrial Pollution: a meager 0.61
This disproportionate allocation is troubling, considering the significant contribution of industrial pollution to air quality issues. The lack of focus on this key area is questioned with the rhetorical: will taking such steps bring about any real change Not at all.
Ultimately, despite the government’s efforts, a recent report from the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air reveals a disappointing reality: pollution reduction was only observed in 31 out of the 131 targeted cities. The NCAP, despite the considerable financial investment, hasn’t achieved its core objectives demonstrating an urgent need to reassess strategies and allocation of resources for genuine, long-term air quality improvement.
India is facing a severe and worsening air pollution crisis, largely due to misguided priorities and a disheartening lack of political will. While national programs were initially intended to address both PM10 and PM2.5 pollutants, the government now primarily focuses on PM10 larger dust particles, which are far less harmful than the dangerous PM2.5 particles that deeply impact public health. This shift is strategically driven by a desire to demonstrate positive performance metrics, an observation made by Anumita Roy Choudhury, Executive Director of CSE.
Consider this: across 29 cities, pollution levels actually increased compared to the 2017-2018 baseline. We are seeing this in places like Delhi, Chandigarh, Jammu, Gaya, Muzaffarpur, and Ujjain. This isn’t simply about dust; it’s about the air we breathe and its impact on our bodies.
The core issue, however, isn’t purely technical; it’s political. As a taxi driver eloquently put it to Foreign Policy magazine, India is split into Hindu and Muslim. This is our politics. The public and the media are preoccupied with divisive social and cultural issues, trivial debates, and celebrity controversies, creating a distraction that politicians readily exploit. They find it easier to navigate these engaging, but ultimately less consequential, topics than to tackle the complexity of air pollution. Nobody votes based on who will reduce pollution. Many voters prioritize religious or identity-based politics, supporting specific parties regardless of their environmental policies.
The consequences of this apathy are staggering. A recent World Bank report estimates that Indias economy loses a staggering 368 billion annually due to air pollution thats a crippling 13.6 of Indias GDP. The irony isn’t lost: air pollution, a silent killer and economic drain, doesn’t discriminate based on religion. When you get lung cancer, it won’t verify your religion first. It affects all citizens, regardless of their beliefs, making the lack of focused action a deeply concerning problem.
India’s air pollution crisis isn’t just a health hazard; it’s a massive drag on the economy. One analysis estimates that if India had pristine air in 2019, its economy could have been a staggering 95 billion larger a significant loss impacting our children’s future. We highlight systemic government failures and then pivot to practical, actionable solutions, emphasizing the need for citizens to pressure government action.
Let us break down the specific pollution culprits in five major Indian cities:
- Delhi faces the most severe pollution. A whopping 50 of Delhi’s air pollution comes from vehicles, followed by 11 from industrial emissions, 7 from construction, and the remainder stemming from crop residue burning and stubble burning happening in the surrounding NCR districts.
- Kolkata: Vehicles are a major contributor at 50, but industry is close behind at 24, with dust accounting for 21.
- Mumbai: Vehicles 30, industry 18, and dust 15 each play significant roles in its air quality issues.
- Hyderabad: Dust is the biggest problem here, responsible for 32 of the pollution. Vehicles follow at 18, with industry and construction contributing smaller amounts.
- Chennai: Notably cleaner than the others, Chennai’s pollution is primarily from road dust 28, then vehicles 23, and industry 20.
- Bengaluru: Remarkably, industrial pollution is minimal, with vehicles 50 and dust 16 being the major concerns, alongside a smaller contribution from construction 11.
So, what can be done? Two key solutions:
- Invest Heavily in Public Transport: Widespread, accessible public transportation metros and trains funded by the central government and buses managed by state governments are crucial. The funding for this could be redirected from extensive highway projects built for private vehicles. Instead of prioritising individual car travel, the focus should shift to efficient, shared transit.
- Scrap Older, More Polluting Vehicles: Vehicles older than 15 years are identified as major polluters because they lack modern emission control technology. Removing these legacy vehicles from the roads would significantly reduce overall pollution levels. BHARAT GLOBAL TIME
The core message is clear: Combating India’s air pollution requires immediate action, substantial investment, and a fundamental shift in transportation priorities.
Tackling air pollution requires a comprehensive strategy addressing multiple sources, and governments are already taking action. One key step is stricter vehicle regulations; for instance, petrol pumps are being empowered to refuse fuel sales to vehicles over 15 years old, directly reducing emissions from older, less efficient cars. Construction sites are also a significant contributor, so regular inspections and enforcement of rules are crucial. BHARAT GLOBAL TIME
Beyond vehicles and construction, the problem of stubble burning, particularly in agricultural areas, demands attention. Governments are actively working to combat this by providing farmers with equipment like happy seeders machines that minimize residue left behind after harvest, reducing the need for burning.
Road dust is another overlooked culprit. Simple street sweeping isn’t enough, as it often just stirs the dust into the air. Instead, solutions include repairing potholes, installing proper footpaths, and utilizing vacuum road sweepers, which effectively remove dust without dispersing it. BHARAT GLOBAL TIME
Industries are frequently the biggest polluters. Byrnihat, an industrial town, is a stark example of this. To address this, stringent emission norms must be enforced, holding industries accountable for their environmental impact.
Finally, and perhaps most importantly, public awareness is essential. Educating people about the specific causes of pollution empowers them to make informed choices, like opting for public transportation instead of personal vehicles whenever possible. It’s a complex issue, but a concerted, multi-faceted approach is vital for cleaner air.
By BHARAT GLOBAL TIME
