Air pollution in Indian cities

Source: Business Standard

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Context

• Research highlights the significant mortality risk from 5 pollution in India's largest cities and majorly due to emissions from vehicular and industries.

Details

Key Points

• Around 2% of daily deaths are attributed to PM2.5 pollution in 10 largest and most populated cities of India (Delhi, Bengaluru, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Pune, Shimla and Varanasi)
• In Delhi, highest fraction of daily and yearly deaths is linked to PM2.5 pollution.
• World Health Organisation has set guidelines of 15 µg/m³ PM2.5 over 24 hours whereas Indian Air Quality standards is at 60 µg/m³ PM2.5 over 24 hours.

India’s Health Burden:

• Air pollution in India is largely due to PM2.5.
• In 2019, over 1.67 million deaths in India were due to air pollution.
• Respiratory diseases, cardiovascular diseases, neurological disorders and premature deaths were such health impacts.

About PM2.5:

• 5 refers to fine particulate matter with a diameter of less than 2.5 micrometres.
• These are so small that can penetrate deep into lungs and causes significant health problems.
• WHO has set 15 μg/m³ (24-hour average) as a safe PM 2.5 concentration in the air.
• However, India has set it less strict than WHO which is 60 μg/m³ (24-hour average).

Sources of PM2.5:

• Fossil fuel burning, Biomass burning and Windblown dust are the primary source for PM2.5.
• Whereas Ammonia, SO2, NOx reacts in the atmosphere to form PM2.5 (Secondary source).

Government Initiatives:

• Frequent revision of air quality standards.
• Strengthening of vehicle and industrial emission standards.
• Time bound reduction of PM2.5 levels by National Clean Air Programme (NCAP).
• Commission for Air Quality Management in National Capital Region (Delhi).

World Bank Support:

• Knowledge sharing and capacity building for air quality management.
• Providing fund to governments to tackle air pollution.
• Supporting India's first State Air Quality Action Plans and Regional Airshed Action Plans.
• "India Lighthouse Initiative" for knowledge exchange on air pollution mitigation strategies.

Recommendations:

• Airshed-level coordination between states for effective management of air pollution.
• Long term commitment with cost effective plans for sustained better air quality.
• Focus should be on clean energy transition to reduce fossil fuels dependency.

Sources:

Business Standard