Air Pollution

AIR POLUTION IN INDIA : CAUSES, IMPACTS & SOLUTIONS

Air pollution is a critical environmental and public health issue, contributing to respiratory illnesses, child mortality, and climate change. Major sources include industrial emissions, vehicular pollution, coal dependence, and crop residue burning. Weak enforcement of environmental regulations and rapid urbanization exacerbate the problem. Case studies from India and globally show that integrated policies, clean energy adoption, sustainable agricultural practices, and strict regulatory measures can help reverse the trend, improving air quality and public health.

AIR POLLUTION & CHILD HEALTH : A GROWING CONCERN IN INDIA

Air pollution in India significantly impacts children’s growth, leading to stunted physical development, respiratory problems, and cognitive impairments. Studies from Delhi-NCR, Punjab, and Vidarbha show that prolonged exposure to fine particulate matter and toxic air pollutants reduces height and lung capacity in children under five. Effective government measures and community-level interventions are crucial to protect children’s health and ensure equitable development.

PESTICIDE POLLUTION IN INDIA: CHALLENGES, IMPACTS & PATHWAYS FORWARD

Pesticide pollution in India is a growing environmental and public health concern. Overuse of chemical pesticides, especially in cotton and high-value crops, contaminates air, water, and soil, affecting both farmers and nearby communities. Regulatory gaps, limited monitoring, and lack of awareness exacerbate the problem. Integrated pest management, bio-pesticides, safer spraying practices, and stronger enforcement of laws offer viable solutions. Case studies from Telangana, Maharashtra, and Punjab show that reducing chemical dependency is possible without affecting crop yields, promoting healthier, sustainable, and inclusive agriculture.

STUBBLE BURNING IN INDIA : CAUSES, IMPACTS & SOLUTIONS

Stubble burning in India has multidimensional consequences. Environmentally, it releases particulate matter and greenhouse gases, reduces soil fertility, and harms biodiversity. Health-wise, it causes respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, eye irritation, and skin problems. Economically, while it saves farmers time and labor in the short term, it degrades soil, reduces crop yields, raises healthcare costs, and affects transport and tourism. Socially, it can trigger public health crises, farmer migration, and conflicts over legal penalties. Effective policy measures—including satellite monitoring, incentives for eco-friendly machinery, and balancing farmer livelihoods with environmental protection—are crucial to mitigate these impacts.

CHILDHOOD VULNERABILITY TO PM2.5: CHALLENGES, MEASURES, & THE WAY FORWARD

Short-term exposure to PM2.5, especially from landscape fires and urban pollution, significantly increases hospital admissions among children and adolescents for respiratory, infectious, cardiovascular, neurological, digestive, and other illnesses. Children aged 5–9 years and those from lower socioeconomic backgrounds are particularly vulnerable.

India has implemented measures like the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP), Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY), air quality monitoring, and crop residue management to reduce PM2.5 exposure. However, challenges persist due to high ambient pollution, indoor smoke, socioeconomic disparities, and gaps in awareness.

A multi-pronged approach involving regulation, clean energy adoption, indoor air quality improvement, public awareness, and child-specific protective measures is essential to safeguard children’s health and reduce the long-term impacts of air pollution.

CLOUD SEEDING TO COMBAT AIR POLLUTION: MEANING, PROCESS, CHALLENGES, WAY FORWARD

As Delhi battles severe air pollution, IIT Kanpur’s cloud seeding plan offers short-term relief by dispersing silver iodide into clouds to trigger rain that clears pollutants. However, its effectiveness depends on weather, and concerns over cost, feasibility, and environmental impact demand long-term pollution control measures.

REAL TIME DECEPTION OF AIR & NOISE POLLUTION

India’s air and noise pollution monitoring systems face challenges like poorly placed sensors, data inaccuracies, and limited real-time noise data. While air quality monitoring has improved with real-time stations and the National Clean Air Programme, noise pollution lacks a strong national policy and effective enforcement. To protect public health and meet global standards, India must expand monitoring coverage, ensure data transparency through independent audits, align regulations with WHO guidelines, and integrate advanced technologies for better forecasting and action.

GREEN CRACKERS: BALANCING TRADITION, ENVIRONMENT & PUBLIC HEALTH

Green crackers are eco-friendly alternatives to traditional firecrackers, designed to reduce air and noise pollution. They produce lower emissions of harmful gases and particulate matter, helping protect public health and the environment. Governments promote their use during festivals to balance cultural celebrations with environmental and health concerns.