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TheAcademy . 28/09/2024 5:29 PM
This article delves into the ongoing air pollution crisis in India, examining its causes, the inadequacy of current measures, and proposing a comprehensive approach to address the issue. With air quality deteriorating, especially in urban areas like Delhi, understanding the complexities of pollution and the necessity for sustainable solutions has never been more urgent.
Recently, air quality levels in cities across India have reached alarming levels, with Delhi recording a severe Air Quality Index (AQI) that underscores the onset of a hazardous air season. Factors such as stagnant weather patterns and increased pollution from various sources have exacerbated the situation, prompting urgent governmental action. This has led to the implementation of emergency measures under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), highlighting the immediate need for effective strategies to combat air pollution.
The Air Quality Index (AQI) is a tool used to communicate air quality levels to the public. Launched in October 2014, it simplifies complex air quality data into a single numerical value that reflects the level of pollution in the air. The AQI is based on the concentrations of key pollutants, including:
PM10 (Particulate Matter 10 micrometers or less)
PM2.5 (Particulate Matter 2.5 micrometers or less)
Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2)
Sulfur Dioxide (SO2)
Carbon Monoxide (CO)
Ozone (O3)
Ammonia (NH3)
Lead (Pb)
The AQI categorizes air quality into several levels, ranging from "Good" to "Severe," helping citizens understand the potential health risks associated with current air conditions.
The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) is a statutory body established under the Commission for Air Quality Management in National Capital Region and Adjoining Areas Act, 2021. Its primary objectives are:
Coordination: Ensuring effective coordination among various government bodies involved in air quality management.
Research: Conducting research to identify sources of air pollution and their impacts.
Policy Development: Formulating strategies and action plans to combat air pollution in the National Capital Region (NCR) and adjoining areas.
Monitoring: Overseeing the implementation of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) and other measures to improve air quality.
India’s air pollution crisis is poised to worsen due to several interconnected factors:
Seasonal Variability: The post-monsoon months bring stagnant air and temperature inversion, where warmer air traps cooler air at the surface, preventing pollutants from dispersing. This leads to increased concentrations of harmful particulates.
Continued Emissions: Year-round pollution sources such as vehicular emissions, industrial discharges, and biomass burning compound the issue, especially during winter when the burning of agricultural waste spikes.
Meteorological Conditions: Weather patterns, including low wind speeds and high humidity, contribute to poor air quality, particularly in the densely populated Indo-Gangetic plain.
Economic Inequality: The disparity between wealthier and poorer communities exacerbates the crisis. While affluent individuals may invest in air purifiers or relocate to cleaner environments, marginalized populations bear the brunt of poor air quality.
Despite the implementation of various measures, many strategies have proven to be ineffective or merely superficial:
Superficial Solutions: Initiatives such as smog towers, cloud seeding, and anti-smog guns have been introduced as "quick fixes." However, these solutions often fail to address the underlying causes of pollution and may offer only temporary relief.
Focus on Visibility Over Impact: Many current measures prioritize visible action to appease public opinion rather than implementing systematic changes needed for long-term improvement.
Resource Misallocation: Funds are often diverted to projects that provide minimal benefits, while fundamental issues, such as industrial emissions and traffic management, remain unaddressed.
Inconsistent Enforcement: Regulations are frequently not enforced uniformly, leading to violations that contribute to persistent pollution levels.
To effectively tackle India’s air pollution crisis, a comprehensive and multi-faceted approach is required:
Coordinated Action: All government agencies must collaborate across sectors—transport, industry, agriculture, and urban planning—to create a unified strategy. For instance, addressing stubble burning needs cooperation between farmers, policymakers, and environmental regulators.
Year-Round Strategies: Solutions must be designed for year-round implementation rather than reacting only during periods of severe pollution. This involves continuous monitoring and proactive measures to prevent pollution spikes.
Investment in Research and Technology: Increased funding for research on pollution sources and impacts is essential. Investing in advanced monitoring technologies, including satellite-based systems and low-cost sensors, can help track pollution trends more effectively.
Community Engagement: Raising public awareness and involving communities in pollution management can lead to grassroots initiatives that complement government efforts. Educational programs can empower citizens to adopt practices that reduce emissions.
Long-Term Commitment: India must embrace a long-term vision for clean air, backed by scientific research and consistent political will. This involves commitment across multiple decades to address structural issues related to pollution.
India’s air pollution crisis requires urgent attention and a shift away from superficial solutions. By understanding the complexity of the problem and implementing coordinated, science-based strategies, India can work towards ensuring cleaner air for all its citizens. Only through sustained commitment and comprehensive action can the country hope to alleviate the significant health risks associated with air pollution.
