With its cities frequently ranking at the top of international pollution lists, India suffers from a persistent air pollution crisis that poses major health risks.

2024 World Air Quality Report

Thirteen of the twenty most polluted cities in the world are in India, with Byrnihat, which is on the border between Assam and Meghalaya, being the most badly impacted. The nation has an average Air Quality Index (AQI) of 50.6 μg/m3, ten times higher than the World Health Organization's (WHO) recommended annual PM2.5 guideline of 5 μg/m3, making it the fifth most polluted country in the world. With an average PM2.5 concentration of 91.8 μg/m3, Delhi continues to be the most polluted capital city globally.

Pollution of the Air

When dangerous materials, gases, or particles are released into the atmosphere, the quality of the air deteriorates. This is known as air pollution. Typical air pollutants consist of Lead, Ozone (O3), Carbon Monoxide (CO), Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2), Sulfur Dioxide (SO2), Particulate Matter (PM), and Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs).

Sources: Although natural occurrences such as volcanic eruptions and wildfires can produce these pollutants, human activities such as transportation, agriculture, industrial processes, and home heating are the main causes of air pollution.

Issues:

• Health-Related: Reduced lung function, cardiovascular disorders, and respiratory conditions are all associated with air pollution.
• Environmental: It damages crops, pollutes water, damages ecosystems, and reduces biodiversity.
• Healthcare Costs: Treating respiratory and cardiovascular disorders, in particular, results in higher healthcare costs due to the negative health effects of air pollution.

Government Initiatives The National Clean Air Programme (NCAP), which was launched in 2019, is a comprehensive plan designed to lower air pollution in specific Indian cities and areas. The program's main goals are to increase public awareness, enforce stronger emission regulations, and improve air quality monitoring.

Emission Standards for Bharat Stage VI (BS-VI): The government implemented BS-VI emission regulations for automobiles nationwide in 2020. By mandating the use of cleaner fuels and more advanced emission control technologies, these regulations aim to reduce vehicle emissions.

PMUY, or Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana: By promoting the use of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) as an alternative to conventional biomass cooking techniques, this program aims to give households access to clean cooking fuel.

The FAME (Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Electric and Hybrid Vehicles) program: To reduce air pollution from vehicle emissions, the FAME initiative encourages more people to drive electric and hybrid cars. In order to encourage the use of electric vehicles, it provides incentives to both manufacturers and consumers.

Green Habitat Initiatives (GRIHA): The goal of the GRIHA program is to promote environmentally friendly and sustainable building construction and operation methods. In order to reduce pollution, it promotes the use of materials and technologies that use less energy.

Waste Management Programs: To reduce air pollution, waste must not be burned. The Swachh Bharat Abhiyan is one of several waste management initiatives that aims to address the problems associated with solid waste and encourage more environmentally friendly disposal methods.

Commission for Air Quality Management: This commission was created to supervise the management of air quality in the National Capital Region and its environs, promoting improved research, coordination, and the detection and resolving of air quality problems.

Afforestation Programs: Projects like the Green India Mission aim to increase the amount of trees in the landscape, which is essential for improving air quality and absorbing pollutants.