How is air pollution impacting individuals in India today and the actions Indians are taking to achieve clean air?

Author: Pankaj Chowdhury

Reviewer & Editor: Sahil Shekh

Air pollution

According to the UN Environment Programme, Air pollution stands as the foremost environmental peril to public health on a global scale, contributing to an estimated 7 million premature deaths annually. There exists a close interconnection between air pollution and climate change, as the primary pollutants not only affect climate but also often originate from common sources with greenhouse gases. Enhancing air quality not only promises health benefits but also holds the potential for advancing development and environmental conservation. The UNEP Pollution Action Note offers insights into the worldwide prevalence of air pollution, its primary sources, the ramifications on human health, and the ongoing national endeavours to address this pressing concern.

In recent years (2014-2019), Air pollution due to fine particles has declined in India

Fig: 1

PM refers to tiny particles suspended in the air that can be inhaled into the lungs. PM2.5 and PM10 refer to particles with 2.5 micrometres and 10 micrometres or smaller diameters, respectively. High concentrations of PM are associated with respiratory and cardiovascular health issues. According to the UN Environment Programme, The annual mean exposure to PM2.5 for each person in India is 83 µg/m3, which is 16.6 times higher than the WHO’s guideline (In 2021, in response to increases in quality and quantity of evidence of air pollution impacts, the WHO updated the PM2.5 annual mean air quality guideline to 5µg/m3. In 1990, the PM2.5 level in India was recorded at 71 µg/m3. By 2019, this value had escalated significantly, reaching almost 95 µg/m3. Although there was a subsequent decrease to 83 µg/m3 in 2023, the PM2.5 concentration remained alarmingly high, indicating persistent air pollution concerns (fig: 1).

Fig: 2

Delhi is continuously suffering due to high air pollution

Northern India and particularly Delhi grapple with a multitude of sources contributing to air pollution, including crop burning, vehicle emissions, coal combustion, waste incineration, and biomass burning for heating and cooking purposes. The annual practice of crop burning in northern India and neighbouring Pakistan significantly exacerbates Delhi’s air quality, often leading to emergency-level pollution levels. Recognizing the severity of the situation, Indian scientists have explored cloud seeding as a potential solution to mitigate Delhi’s smog, particularly during the critical month of November. Vehicle emissions constitute a substantial portion of PM2.5 emissions in the nation’s capital, accounting for 40% of the total. In response, Delhi implemented a ban on older vehicles, resulting in a notable reduction in the number of cars on the roads by 35% since the ban’s enforcement in late 2018 (fig: 3).

Ozone pollution is also a challenging environmental issue in India

Fig: 4

Ambient ozone pollution refers to the presence of ozone gas in the Earth’s atmosphere at ground level. Ozone is a secondary pollutant, meaning it is not emitted directly into the air but is formed through chemical reactions between oxides of nitrogen (NOx) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in the presence of sunlight. Ambient ozone pollution is a significant component of urban smog and is primarily generated by vehicle emissions, industrial processes, and other human activities. High levels of ambient ozone pollution can have adverse effects on human health, including respiratory issues such as coughing, throat irritation, and aggravation of asthma and other respiratory conditions.

It can also harm vegetation and ecosystems, leading to reduced crop yields and forest damage. Ozone pollution is a challenging environmental issue, and efforts to reduce emissions of precursor pollutants are crucial in mitigating its harmful effects. Ambient ozone pollution, measured in parts per billion (ppb), has exhibited a consistent upward trend from 1990 to 2019 in India. Beginning at 48.9 ppb in 1990, it has steadily risen to nearly 66.2 ppb, marking a notable increase of 35.4% over these years (fig: 4).

Household air pollution due to solid fuels  decreased gradually over the years

Fig: 5

Air pollution from solid fuels refers to the contamination of the air caused by the burning of solid fuels such as wood, coal, charcoal, and biomass for cooking, heating, and other household activities. When these fuels are burned incompletely or inefficiently, they release various pollutants into the air, including particulate matter (PM), carbon monoxide (CO), sulfur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen oxides (NOx), volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and other harmful substances. Household air pollution from solid fuels primarily occurs in indoor settings, especially in low-income households and rural areas where access to clean energy sources may be limited. The combustion of solid fuels in traditional stoves or open fires can lead to high levels of indoor air pollution, posing significant health risks to individuals who are exposed to it over time.

Exposure to air pollution from solid fuels has been linked to a range of adverse health effects, including respiratory illnesses such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), acute respiratory infections, lung cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and other health issues. It is a major environmental and public health concern, particularly in regions where reliance on solid fuels for household energy remains prevalent. Efforts to reduce household air pollution from solid fuels often involve promoting the use of cleaner cooking technologies, improving ventilation in homes, and transitioning to cleaner and more sustainable energy sources. Household air pollution from solid fuels in India has shown a significant decrease over the years. In 1990, the proportion stood at 0.85, while in 2019, it declined to 0.61. This represents a notable decrease of 28% over these years (fig: 5).

Household solid fuels are one of the major causes of death due to air pollution in India

Fig: 6

Deaths attributed to air pollution per 100,000 people quantifies the absolute number of deaths directly linked to air pollution within a population, standardized to a common unit of 100,000 people. It gives a clear indication of the burden of air pollution on mortality rates, allowing for comparisons across different regions or over time. Between 1990 and 2019, deaths attributed to household air pollution from solid fuels per 100,000 people saw a significant decline of 72%. Conversely, deaths linked to ambient particulate matter pollution per 100,000 people increased by 57% during the same period. However, deaths from all causes attributed to air pollution per 100,000 people decreased by 41%. Notably, deaths related to ambient ozone pollution per 100,000 people remained consistent over the years (fig: 6).

Fig: 7

The share of total deaths attributed to air pollution expresses the proportion of all deaths in a population that can be attributed to air pollution. It offers a relative perspective, showing what percentage of total mortality is attributable to air pollution. This allows policymakers and public health experts to understand the relative significance of air pollution as a cause of death compared to other factors. The data reveals a concerning trend in the share of total deaths attributed to air pollution from 1990 to 2019, with a gradual increase over the years. Despite fluctuations, the overall trajectory shows a steady rise, indicating the persistent threat that air pollution poses to public health. This underscores the urgent need for comprehensive measures to address air quality issues and mitigate the adverse health effects associated with pollution. Efforts to reduce emissions, improve air quality standards, and promote cleaner energy sources are crucial in combating this alarming trend and safeguarding public health (fig: 7).

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: deadliest among all diseases attributable to fine particle outdoor air pollution

Fig: 8

Fine particle pollution poses a significant health risk, contributing to mortality from various ailments such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, lower respiratory infections, stroke, ischemic heart disease, and cancers of the trachea, bronchus, and lungs. Moreover, it exacerbates conditions like type 2 diabetes and neonatal disorders. 30% of deaths due to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease are attributable to fine particle outdoor air pollution, which is the highest among the above-mentioned diseases, followed by lower respiratory infections (24%) and stroke (23%) (fig: 8).

How Indian addressed air pollution

According to the UN Environment Programme, India has achieved two out of nine targets aimed at attaining clean air, specifically in the areas of clean production incentives and air quality standards. India has been actively addressing the challenge of air pollution through several notable initiatives. The government has been working on revising ambient air quality standards and enhancing vehicular and industrial emission regulations. Additionally, there’s a strong focus on promoting renewable energy, electric vehicles, and providing LPG cooking fuel to households to combat air pollution. These are the schemes, programmes, and provisions introduced by the Indian government to tackle air pollution from 1981 to 2021 :

(1) In 1981, the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act was enacted, leading to the establishment of State and Central Pollution Control Boards tasked with monitoring and regulating air pollution. Additionally, a separate Air Act for Union Territories was introduced in 1983.

(2) In 1999, the National Auto Fuel Policy was implemented with the goal of reducing vehicular emissions by introducing cleaner fuels and emission standards.

(3) In 2002, the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) introduced the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS), setting specific air quality benchmarks to monitor and combat air pollution across various Indian cities.

(4) The National Air Quality Index (NAQI) was launched in 2015, providing real-time air quality data to the public to raise awareness about air pollution.

(5) The Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana, launched in 2016, aimed to provide clean cooking fuel (LPG) to households to reduce indoor air pollution caused by traditional cooking methods.

(6) In 2018, the National Clean Air Program (NCAP) was launched to address air pollution in Indian cities, setting targets for reducing particulate matter (PM) and other pollutants in over 100 cities.

(7) FAME India (Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Hybrid and Electric Vehicles), initiated in 2018, aimed to promote electric and hybrid vehicles to curb vehicular emissions.

(8) In 2019, India transitioned to Bharat Stage VI (BS-VI) emission standards, significantly reducing vehicle emissions by promoting cleaner fuels and technologies.

(9) The Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) was introduced in 2020 as an emergency response strategy to combat severe air pollution episodes in cities like Delhi-NCR.

(10) Lastly, in 2021, India launched the Green Hydrogen Mission to promote clean energy and reduce pollution associated with fossil fuels.

In January 2019, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) also initiated the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) intending to enhance the air quality in 131 cities across 24 States/UTs, including non-attainment cities and Million Plus Cities, through collaborative efforts of all stakeholders. The program aims to achieve a reduction of up to 40% in PM10 concentrations or the attainment of National Ambient Air Quality Standards by 2025-26. Under the NCAP, 82 cities have been allocated annual targets ranging from 3% to 15% reduction in PM10 levels to contribute to the overall goal of achieving a 40% reduction in PM10 levels. Additionally, 49 cities receiving grants under the XVth Finance Commission air quality scheme have been assigned an annual target of a 15% reduction in annual average PM10 concentrations, coupled with an increase in the number of good air quality days (Air Quality Index less than 200).

Over the years, the Indian government has consistently increased funding for the Control of Pollution scheme. In 2019, the allocation surpassed Rs 400 crore, and by the 2023-24 budget estimates, it had risen to over Rs 750 crore. However, there remains a notable gap between the funds allocated by the Centre and the actual disbursement to states. From 2019-20 to 2021-22, approximately Rs 400 crore was earmarked for states, but only half of this amount was effectively utilized. While some states demonstrated commendable utilization of funds, others fell short. For instance, Andhra Pradesh emerged as a proactive state, making significant use of the allocated funds to improve air quality. On the other hand, despite receiving the highest allocation of around Rs 77 crore, Uttar Pradesh utilized only Rs 30.57 crore. Similarly, Maharashtra, the second-highest recipient with an allocation of Rs 63 crore, utilized only half of the allocated funds. In contrast, West Bengal stands out as the only state that fully utilized all the funds allotted under the scheme. Performance factors for air quality improvement targets were found to be lower in cities like Agra, Jodhpur, Faridabad, Ghaziabad, Dhanbad, and Kanpur among the 49 cities covered under the XV Finance Commission Air Quality Grant.

India has signed a total of 2 agreements regarding air quality. In 2022, the Regional Action Programme on Air Pollution was ratified during the Seventh Session of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific Committee on Environment and Development. This comprehensive initiative addresses various aspects of air quality management, including enhancing monitoring systems, fostering data transparency, exchanging best practices, bolstering capacity-building efforts, and fostering multilateral cooperation.

Originating in 1998, the Malé Declaration on Control and Prevention of Air Pollution and Its Likely Transboundary Effects for South Asia stands as the inaugural regional agreement on pollution in the South Asian region. It spurred the development of emission inventories, the establishment of air pollutant monitoring mechanisms, and the assessment of pollution impacts on various fronts such as material corrosion, human health, and crop yields. Nations within the region have expressed a keen interest in revitalizing the Declaration to address contemporary challenges.

Tags: Air pollution india, Air pollution effects, Air pollution data, Causes of air pollution, Air pollution india report, Air quality index India