Rise in Air Pollution Through Emission, Solutions for Clean Air

Major Air Pollutants

• Particulate Matter (PM2.5 and PM10): Tiny particles remaining suspended in the air. PM2.5 is more harmful as it can penetrate deep into the lungs.
  • Sources: Vehicle emissions, industrial processes, construction and burning of biomass or fossil fuels.
• Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2): A toxic gas that irritates the respiratory system.
  • Sources: Vehicular exhaust, industrial activities and power plants.
• Sulphur Dioxide (SO2): Causes respiratory problems and contributes to acid rain.
  • Sources: Coal-burning power plants, industrial emissions and burning of fossil fuels.
• Carbon Monoxide (CO): It is an odourless, colourless gas that can cause sudden illness and death if inhaled.
  • Sources: Incomplete combustion from vehicles, biomass burning, and industrial activity.
• Ozone (O3): A major component of smog, it harms the respiratory system.
  • Sources: Formed by chemical reactions between NOx (nitrogen oxides) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in the presence of sunlight.
• Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs): Organic chemicals that contribute to ground-level ozone formation.
  • Sources: Vehicle emissions, industrial processes, and the use of solvents and paints

Challenges Associated with Air Pollution

• Health Impact:
  • Premature deaths: Nearly 2 million lives lost annually in India due to pollution-related diseases.
  • Respiratory diseases: Increased cases of asthma, impaired lung function, and chronic respiratory issues, particularly in children.
  • Systemic effects: High pollution levels linked to non-communicable diseases like hypertension, diabetes, and stroke.
• Economic Costs:
  • Higher healthcare expenses: Pollution-related diseases lead to increased hospitalizations and financial strain on families.
  • Productivity loss: Poor air quality results in missed work and school days, reducing economic output.
• Inequality:
  • Vulnerable populations: Pregnant women, children, the elderly, and low-income communities are disproportionately affected.
  • Resource disparity: The poorest communities live closer to pollution sources and lack resources for protection.
• Ineffective Implementation:
  • Weak enforcement of policies like the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP).
  • Fragmented efforts without sufficient ground-level action.
• Dependence on Fossil Fuels:
  • Heavy reliance on coal and biomass for energy sustains pollution levels.
  • Electric vehicles’ potential is limited by coal-based power for charging infrastructure.

Initiatives to Tackle Air Pollution

• National Clean Air Programme (NCAP): It was launched in 2019 to improve air quality in 131 cities across 24 States and UTs.
  • Implementing Agency: Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB)
  • Target: To reduce the concentration of Particulate Matter (PM) by 40% by 2026 (Base Year: 2019-20)
• National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) by CPCB:
  • Pollutants covered: PM10, PM2.5, Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2), Sulphur Dioxide (SO2), Carbon Monoxide (CO), Ozone (O3), Ammonia (NH3), Lead (Pb), Benzene, Benzopyrene, Arsenic, and Nickel.
• National Air Quality Index (NAQI):
  • Pollutants covered: PM10, PM2. 5, NO2, SO2, Carbon Monoxide (CO), Ozone (O3), Ammonia (NH3), and Lead (Pb).
• System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting and Research (SAFAR)
  • Pollutants covered:5, PM10, Ozone, Carbon Monoxide (CO), Nitrogen Oxides (NOx), Sulphur Dioxide (SO2), Benzene, Toluene, Xylene, and Mercury.
  • It is an initiative of the Ministry of Earth Sciences not of the Ministry of Environment.

Solutions

• Health-Centric Policies:
  • Prioritize public health in environmental policies.
  • Link pollution explicitly to health outcomes, such as listing it on death certificates to raise awareness.
• Localized and Regional Approaches:
  • Tailor strategies for specific pollution sources (industrial emissions, stubble burning, vehicle congestion).
  • Focus on state and city-level interventions for better implementation.
• Clean Energy Transition:
  • Shift from coal to renewable energy.
  • Provide cleaner cooking fuel alternatives to rural households reliant on biomass.
• Regulatory Reforms:
  • Establish a unified regulatory body similar to the United States Environmental Protection Agency to streamline policies and enforce environmental standards.
  • Strengthen enforcement mechanisms to ensure compliance.
• Community Engagement and Public Awareness:
  • Encourage public participation in reducing pollution at the local level.
  • Promote initiatives like reduced waste burning and responsible vehicle use.
  • Programs like Dr. Kumar’s “My Solution to Pollution” campaign to involve communities in reducing pollution through small actions (e.g., avoiding vehicle idling near schools).
• Systemic Changes:
  • Revamp transportation, energy, and health sectors to integrate sustainability and pollution control.
  • Invest in clean air as a long-term economic and social benefit.

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