Syllabus
GS Paper 3 – Conservation, Environmental Pollution and Degradation, Urbanization.
Context
Every year, Delhi and certain regions in the neighboring states of Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh experience a critical juncture in their annual air quality, particularly in urban areas.
Source
The Hindu | Editorial dated 06 November 2023
Application: where to apply?
When asked about
Urbanization and Consequences
Causes/Sources of Pollution & Degradation
Prevention & Control of Pollution & Degradation
A Closer Look at Our Cities
- According to the World Air Quality Report by IQAir in 2022, Delhi was the 4th most polluted city worldwide when considering PM2.5 levels.
- India, among 131 countries, ranked 8th with a population weighted average PM2.5 level of 53.3 μg/m3 in 2022.
- New Delhi was recognized as the second most polluted capital city globally.
- A total of 39 Indian cities, including both ‘Delhi’ and ‘New Delhi,’ were among the top 50 most polluted cities in the world based on their annual average PM2.5 levels in 2022.
- A recent report, “Air Quality and Health in Cities,” analyzed pollution and global health effects in over 7,000 cities from 2010 to 2019.
- In terms of PM 2.5 levels, Delhi and Kolkata ranked as the top two most polluted cities, with Delhi at the first position and Kolkata at the second.
The Air Quality Index (AQI)
- The Air Quality Index (AQI) published by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) rates overall air quality based on five major air pollutants, including PM2.5 and PM10, carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, and sulfur dioxide.
- AQI is on a scale of 0 to 500, with higher values indicating worse air quality, divided into categories: good (0-50), satisfactory (51-100), moderate (101-200), poor (201-300), very poor (301-400), and severe (401-500).
- An AQI beyond 500 is labeled as “severe plus.”
- AQI informs the public about current air quality and helps individuals make activity-related decisions, particularly those with respiratory issues.
- According to a recent report, Faridabad had the highest AQI in India at 572, followed by Ghaziabad (568) and New Delhi (552).
- Other cities in the top five with high AQI included Noida (523) and Gurgaon (502).
- Notably, all ten cities in the top rankings are located in the northern Indian states of Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, and New Delhi.
The Struggle of India’s Urban Centers
- India’s urban development strategy requires a fundamental shift towards sustainable and ecologically conscious urbanization.
- Emphasizing real estate expansion, road widening, and accommodating high-consumption vehicles has reduced pedestrian space and increased pollution.
- Urban pollution arises from multiple sources, such as road dust, concrete batching, polluting industries, and vehicle emissions.
- A significant portion of urban pollution, approximately 60%, can be attributed to motorized transportation.
- Green spaces like urban forests, water bodies, and urban agriculture have diminished in size, while “grey” infrastructure has seen considerable growth
- During North India’s winter, the burning of paddy straw in Haryana and Punjab contributes to smog, but it’s only a small and seasonal part of the problem.
- India’s automobile market has grown significantly, from $100 billion to an expected $160 billion by 2027.
- This growth must drive a new approach to urban development, as focusing on widening roads and increasing car ownership exacerbates pollution and traffic congestion.
- Construction activities in Indian cities contribute to around 10% of air pollution in regions like the National Capital Region.
- There is a lack of effective monitoring and control of construction activities, including the absence of standard operating procedures.
- City residents have limited participatory roles in urban development decisions, making them passive observers of the urbanization process.
Reasons Behind Delhi’s Unique Challenge
- Stubble burning in Punjab and Haryana: This releases smoke, particulate matter, and harmful gases, accounting for 25% of Delhi’s pollution in 2021.
- Wind direction: Northwesterly winds bring stubble burning emissions to Delhi (72% of winter winds), but a shift in wind direction can affect pollution levels.
- Temperature inversion: Traps pollutants near the ground, worsening winter pollution as emissions accumulate.
- Dry and still air: Reduced rainfall and low wind speeds allow pollutants to linger in the air, increasing their concentration.
- Vehicular and industrial emissions: High population and vehicle density contribute to pollution, with vehicles responsible for 25% of PM2.5 levels.
- Dust storms, firecrackers, and biomass burning: These add to pollution during winter, with biomass burning contributing 17-26% of particulate matter.
Air Pollutants
- Air pollutants include gases (e.g., ammonia, carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, nitrous oxides, methane, carbon dioxide, and chlorofluorocarbons), particulates (both organic and inorganic), and biological molecules.
- Primary and Secondary Pollutants:
- Primary Pollutants: These are substances that directly initiate air pollution, known as primary pollutants.
- Secondary Pollutants: Secondary pollutants are formed through the combination and interaction of primary pollutants.
Major Causes of Air Pollution in India
- Construction Activities:
- Air pollution is a consequence of land clearing, operating diesel engines, demolition, burning, and the use of hazardous materials in construction.
- Construction and demolition actions can lead to the dispersal of windblown dust, which may remain suspended in the air for prolonged durations.
- Use of Fossil Fuels:
- Half of the global population still relies on solid fuels like wood, charcoal, and coal for cooking and heating.
- Inefficient stoves emit harmful particulate matter and climate-warming pollutants.
- Kerosene lamps used in homes also contribute to air pollution and health issues.
- Waste on Landfills:
- Landfills, where trash is buried, produce methane, a flammable and hazardous greenhouse gas.
- E-waste poses severe problems, including chemical leaks and wire burning.
- Industrial Dust:
- Manufacturing industries release carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons, organic substances, and chemicals, diminishing air quality.
- Petroleum refineries also emit hydrocarbons and other pollutants, harming both air and land.
- Transportation:
- Private vehicle use, particularly older diesel models, is a primary source of urban air pollution.
- Vehicles are responsible for about one-quarter of all particulate matter in the atmosphere.
- Traffic congestion, caused by various factors, including a lack of efficient road infrastructure, leads to inefficient fuel consumption and increased pollution.
- Biomass Burning:
- The burning of fuel wood and biomass for cooking and heating contributes to a near-permanent haze in India.
- Over 100 million households use traditional cookstoves known as “chulhas,” resulting in indoor air pollution and health problems.
- Electricity Generation:
- The growing population increases energy demand, leading to extensive use of fossil fuels for energy generation.
- Coal-fired power plants are significant sources of urban air pollution.
- Combustion:
- Material combustion emits toxic gases like CO2 and CO into the atmosphere.
- Agricultural activities release gases such as NO2 and methane (CH4) contributing to urban air pollution.
- Stubble Burning:
- Stubble burning in regions like Punjab, Rajasthan, and Haryana during the winter releases toxic pollutants, including carcinogenic gases and volatile organic compounds, into the atmosphere.
- Mining Operations:
- Mining involves the use of large machinery to extract minerals, leading to the release of chemicals and dust into the air, causing significant air pollution and negatively impacting local populations and workers.
- Fireworks:
- Despite bans, firecrackers during festivals like Diwali contribute to air pollution.
- Fireworks containing substances like barium are restricted to reduce their impact on air quality.
The Impact of Stubble Burning
- Stubble burning is the deliberate act of setting fire to the leftover straw stubble following the harvest of grains like rice and wheat.
- In northern India, stubble burning has been a longstanding and significant contributor to air pollution.
- Despite efforts to curtail it, the practice continues every year, especially during the winter season.
- It heightens people’s susceptibility to infections and hampers their recovery from illnesses.
- Burning crop husks on the ground depletes soil nutrients, diminishing its fertility.
- The heat generated by stubble burning permeates the soil, leading to moisture loss and the depletion of beneficial microbes.
The Consequence of Air Pollution in India
- Air pollution has become a significant and growing risk factor for ill health in India.
- It ranks second only to child and maternal malnutrition, surpassing unsafe water and unsanitary conditions in contributing to the country’s disease burden.
- Lancet 2022 Study Findings:
- In 2019, air pollution in India caused an estimated 1.7 million premature deaths, making up almost 17.8% of total deaths in the country, the highest globally.
- Furthermore, approximately 40 million disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs), or 11.5% of the total DALYs, were lost due to air pollution.
- A study by the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) found that air pollution reduced life expectancy in India by 2.6 years, becoming a significant risk factor for non-communicable diseases.
- Broad Impact on Health:
- Air pollution leads to health problems like lung cancer, breathing issues, heart diseases, stroke, and respiratory infections.
- Recent studies show that it can also affect other aspects of health, like the weight of newborns, children’s growth and thinking abilities, sleep quality, ability to have children, brain health, and the likelihood of getting cancer.
- Unfortunately, India’s current disease burden assessment underestimates the full extent of these effects.
- Economic Consequences:
- Poor air quality leads to lower labor productivity, employee absenteeism, reduced asset productivity, and higher healthcare costs.
- Estimates indicate that air pollution costs about $95 billion annually, roughly 3.3% of India’s GDP.
- Life Expectancy:
- Air pollution reduces life expectancy by over 10%, with an average Indian losing 5.3 years of life expectancy, and Delhi residents losing 11.9 years.
- Health effects include burning eyes, nose and throat irritation, coughing, breathing difficulties, asthma, and cardiovascular diseases.
- Mumbai’s air pollution has been labeled “Death by Breath” due to very unsatisfactory Air Quality Index levels.
- Smog:
- Smog comes in two types: summer smog, caused by ozone formation, and winter smog, linked to cold temperatures and increased fossil fuel use for heating.
- Photochemical smog, a type of air pollution, forms when emissions from engines and industries react with sunlight.
- In some cities, like Delhi, stubble burning in nearby agricultural areas worsens smog.
- Impact on Agriculture/Vegetation:
- High pollution levels can change cloud structure, settle on crops, and harm photosynthesis.
- Pollutants like Sulphur dioxide and hydrocarbons cause various issues in plants, including leaf fall and petal discoloration.
- Acid Rain:
- Acid rain results from rain mixing with air pollution, making it acidic with a pH less than 4.0.
- It affects water bodies, making them more acidic, which can harm aquatic life.
- Acid rain also damages forests, reduces soil fertility, and erodes stonework.
- Effect on Wildlife:
- Air pollution can force wildlife to change their habitats due to toxic chemicals in the air.
- Pollutants settling on the water’s surface can harm aquatic creatures.
Major Government Interventions
- Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981: Enacted in 1981, the Air Act is a critical legislation that addresses the harmful effects of air pollution in India.
- National Clean Air Programme (NCAP): NCAP is a national effort with the objective of achieving consistent air quality standards throughout the country.
- National Air Quality Index: Launched in 2014 as part of Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, the National Air Quality Index informs the public about air quality in India and health risks.
- The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) is responsible for maintaining this index.
- Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP): Announced in 2017, GRAP outlines specific measures to control air pollution in Delhi NCR when air quality surpasses a defined threshold.
- Polluter Pays Principle: This widely accepted principle holds polluters accountable for the costs associated with preventing pollution-induced harm.
- Breath: Breathe is a 15-point action plan developed by NITI Aayog to combat air pollution.
- Air Quality Management Commission: The Commission for Air Quality Management in the National Capital Region (NCR) and Adjoining Areas (CAQM) was established through CAQM Act, 2021 to enhance coordination, research, and resolution of air quality issues in the NCR and nearby regions.
- SAFAR (System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting and Research): SAFAR, initiated by the Ministry of Earth Sciences, monitors air quality in metropolitan areas and provides real-time air quality index information, along with 72-hour advance forecasts.
- Dashboard for Monitoring Air Quality: This dashboard assists in identifying the need for additional monitoring stations and addressing data gaps to enhance air quality assessment across India.
- Supreme Court Interventions:
- Ban on Firecrackers: The Supreme Court imposed restrictions on the sale and use of fireworks, particularly during festivals like Diwali, to combat air pollution.
- Directives to State Governments: The court issued directives to state governments, compelling them to take specific actions to reduce air pollution.
- Ban on Construction Activities: In times of severe air pollution episodes, the court has enforced temporary bans on construction activities and industrial operations to alleviate pollution levels.
The Way Forward
- Shifting Policy Approach:
- India must revamp its policies to meet World Health Organization (WHO) air quality standards.
- Coordinated Efforts:
- Curbing air pollution demands cooperation across local and regional boundaries.
- Policy Recommendations:
- Make health considerations a key factor in policy and investment decisions by leveraging the Global Burden of Disease data.
- Secure funding for pollution management from private and government donors, supporting the Health and Pollution Action Plan (HPAP).
- Integrate pollution control into sector-specific plans addressing various threats like climate, biodiversity, food, and agriculture.
- Invest in data collection and analysis to support evidence-based interventions targeting environmental health risks.
- Focus on Sustainable Urbanization:
- Promote public transportation and secure pedestrian paths with dedicated bicycle lanes.
- Invest in more buses for urban mobility, aiming to add approximately 10 lakh buses to existing fleets.
- Implement strategies similar to the Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission.
- Control private vehicle movement with measures like congestion taxes and odd-even number plate policies.
- Encourage public officials to use public transport as a role model.
- Enforce zero tolerance for industrial pollution with real-time monitoring and community-based street supervision.
- Protect and expand urban commons, such as ponds, water bodies, urban forests, parks, and playgrounds.
- Prioritize meaningful afforestation within cities to combat pollution and preserve urban ecology.
- Strengthen Governance:
- Promote public awareness of pollution guides and standard operating procedures.
- Encourage the adoption of measures like the odd-even number plate formula and “no-car day.”
- Establish robust standard operating procedures akin to GRAP.
- Regulatory Compliance:
- Enforce strict emission standards for all vehicles and engines to limit the release of specific pollutants.
- Pollution Mitigation Infrastructure:
- Install air filtration systems in areas with elevated pollution levels to reduce exposure to toxic air. These systems can help improve air quality in localized regions.
- Disaster Classification:
- Acknowledge air pollution as a disaster and incorporate it within the National Disaster Management Authority’s purview. This ensures swift responses when pollution levels reach hazardous thresholds.
- Pollution Source Management:
- Identify and map major sources of air pollution in cities. Designate highly polluted areas as air pollution management zones and prioritize emission source control within these regions.
References
- The Hindu
- India Air Quality Index (AQI)
- National Air Quality Index.