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No Indian city meets WHO air quality standards

Introduction

Air quality is a pressing concern globally, with urbanization, industrialization, and vehicular emissions leading to deteriorating atmospheric conditions. In India, air pollution is a critical challenge. Despite numerous policies and initiatives, no Indian city currently meets the air quality standards prescribed by the World Health Organization (WHO). This eBook delves into the causes, impacts, and solutions to this issue, providing valuable insights for UPSC aspirants.

Understanding WHO Air Quality Standards

The WHO sets guidelines for air quality to protect human health. These include permissible limits for pollutants such as:

  1. Particulate Matter (PM):
    • PM2.5: Should not exceed 5 µg/m³ annually and 15 µg/m³ in 24 hours.
    • PM10: Should not exceed 15 µg/m³ annually and 45 µg/m³ in 24 hours.
  2. Nitrogen Dioxide (NO₂): Annual mean limit of 10 µg/m³.
  3. Sulfur Dioxide (SO₂): 24-hour mean limit of 40 µg/m³.
  4. Ozone (O₃): 8-hour mean limit of 100 µg/m³.

These standards are stricter than those prescribed by the Indian government, highlighting the significant gap between international benchmarks and domestic regulations.

Causes of Poor Air Quality in Indian Cities

  1. Vehicular Emissions:

    • India’s burgeoning population and increasing vehicle ownership contribute significantly to air pollution. Fossil fuel combustion releases PM, NO₂, and carbon monoxide (CO).

  2. Industrial Emissions:

    • Factories and power plants emit large quantities of pollutants, including SO₂ and PM. Thermal power plants, which depend heavily on coal, are among the worst offenders.

  3. Construction Activities:

    • Rapid urbanization has led to dust and debris from construction sites, adding to the PM10 levels.

  4. Crop Residue Burning:

    • Agricultural practices, particularly in northern India, lead to the seasonal burning of crop residues, contributing to a significant spike in air pollution.

  5. Municipal Waste Burning:

    • Inefficient waste management systems result in the open burning of waste, releasing toxic gases.

  6. Geographical and Meteorological Factors:

    • The geographical layout of cities like Delhi traps pollutants. Meteorological conditions such as low wind speeds and temperature inversions exacerbate the problem.

Impacts of Poor Air Quality

  1. Health Impacts:

    • Respiratory diseases such as asthma, bronchitis, and lung cancer.
    • Cardiovascular issues, including heart attacks and strokes.
    • Reduced life expectancy: Studies indicate that air pollution reduces the life expectancy of Indians by several years.

  2. Economic Costs:

    • Productivity losses due to health-related absences from work.
    • Increased healthcare expenditure strains individuals and the economy.

  3. Environmental Damage:

    • Acid rain resulting from SO₂ and NO₂ emissions damages crops, soil, and water bodies.
    • Reduced visibility and aesthetic degradation of urban landscapes.

  4. Climate Change:

    • Pollutants such as black carbon contribute to global warming and glacier melting.

Indian Government Initiatives

  1. National Clean Air Programme (NCAP):

    • Launched in 2019, it aims to reduce PM2.5 and PM10 levels by 20-30% by 2024.
    • Focuses on 122 cities identified as non-attainment cities.

  2. Bharat Stage Emission Standards (BSES):

    • Implementation of BS-VI standards in 2020 reduced vehicular emissions significantly.

  3. Promotion of Electric Vehicles (EVs):

    • Incentives under schemes like FAME (Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Hybrid and Electric Vehicles).

  4. Energy Transition:

    • Increased emphasis on renewable energy sources like solar and wind to reduce reliance on coal.

  5. Air Quality Monitoring:

    • Setting up real-time monitoring stations across major cities to track pollution levels and inform policy decisions.

Challenges in Achieving WHO Standards

  1. Policy Implementation:

    • Gaps in enforcement of pollution control measures.
    • Lack of coordination between central and state authorities.

  2. Public Awareness:

    • Limited awareness about the health impacts of air pollution.
    • Insufficient citizen participation in adopting eco-friendly practices.

  3. Infrastructure Bottlenecks:

    • Inadequate public transportation systems lead to higher vehicular dependence.
    • Lack of waste segregation and disposal facilities.

  4. Economic Priorities:

    • Balancing industrial growth with environmental sustainability remains a challenge.

Way Forward

  1. Strengthening Policies:

    • Align national air quality standards with WHO guidelines.
    • Enhance the scope and reach of NCAP.

  2. Technological Interventions:

    • Adoption of cleaner technologies in industries and vehicles.
    • Use of air purifiers and dust suppression techniques in construction.

  3. Behavioral Changes:

    • Encourage carpooling, use of public transport, and non-motorized transport.
    • Promote waste segregation and discourage burning.

  4. Global Cooperation:

    • Leverage international expertise and funding to combat air pollution.
    • Ratify and adhere to global agreements on emissions reduction.

  5. Urban Planning:

    • Develop green spaces and urban forests.
    • Adopt smart city principles to reduce energy consumption.

Conclusion

The inability of Indian cities to meet WHO air quality standards underscores the urgency of tackling air pollution comprehensively. While challenges abound, they also present opportunities for innovation, collaboration, and sustainable development. For UPSC aspirants, understanding the multifaceted nature of air quality issues is crucial for answering questions in the environment, governance, and policy domains.

Addressing air pollution is not just an environmental necessity but a moral imperative to ensure the well-being of future generations. With concerted efforts, India can aspire to achieve cleaner air and healthier cities.

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