As Diwali celebrations recede, Delhi’s air quality remains in the “very poor” category and is expected to deteriorate further.
The pollution crisis has escalated concerns not only for public health but also for India’s economic outlook.
On Friday, Delhi residents woke to a thick smog enveloping the city, with pollution levels in Anand Vihar registering in the “severe” category.
Data from the Central Pollution Control Board shows that Delhi’s air quality index (AQI) has surpassed 300, with pollutant PM2.5 levels recorded at 145 micrograms per cubic meter, a figure significantly above the World Health Organization’s safe limit.
Stubborn air pollution problem worsens
India’s capital, home to over 30 million people, has grappled with one of the most persistent air pollution challenges globally.
In 2023, AQI levels remained consistently high, particularly during the winter months when the cold air traps pollutants close to the ground.
Studies indicate that this season of elevated pollution, worsened by factors like Diwali festivities and temperature inversion, presents serious health hazards that extend far beyond Delhi, affecting cities like Chennai, Bangalore, and Shimla.
A Lancet study estimated that in 2019, nearly 18% of deaths in India were linked to air pollution.
Fine particulate matter (PM2.5) is a particular concern, as its microscopic size allows it to penetrate deep into the lungs and bloodstream, increasing risks for respiratory diseases, cardiovascular issues, and even cancer.
Pollution’s economic toll on India’s GDP
India’s persistent air quality crisis has serious economic consequences, costing the nation an estimated 1.36% of its GDP due to healthcare costs and premature deaths, according to a World Bank report.
Workers exposed to hazardous air face greater health risks, often requiring time off for illness, which impacts productivity.
In turn, businesses and public health systems are under continuous strain, which could have long-term implications for growth, particularly in Delhi, a major hub of government and commerce.
In 2023, the World Bank calculated that the economic burden from health conditions linked to pollution was over $36 billion. Industries such as tourism and agriculture are also affected.
New Delhi’s reputation as one of the world’s most polluted cities can discourage international visitors, impacting tourism revenue and limiting business investment.
The agriculture sector also faces reduced crop yields due to poor air quality, which further stresses food supply chains and the livelihoods of millions.
Root causes: stubble burning, vehicle emissions, and temperature inversion
Multiple sources contribute to India’s air pollution, from vehicular emissions to construction dust, industrial smoke, and stubble burning in neighboring states like Punjab and Haryana.
Although agricultural fires are often blamed, data from the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology shows that while stubble burning contributes, vehicle emissions remain the primary pollutant.
The complex atmospheric condition of temperature inversion during winter further traps pollutants, making them more potent and visible.
Despite a 38% reduction in farm fires in 2023, air quality did not improve markedly, emphasizing the challenge of pinpointing a single cause.
There is also a lack of consensus among scientists on the principal contributors, complicating efforts to create an effective policy framework.
What steps has India taken?
India’s National Clean Air Programme (NCAP), launched in 2019, set ambitious targets to curb pollution across 122 of its most affected cities. However, the program’s progress has been slower than anticipated.
The Delhi government has implemented several measures to combat smog, including restricting motor vehicles, mist spraying, and investing in smog towers—tall air purifiers meant to filter pollution.
However, research shows that smog towers have limited efficacy, and critics argue that the funds could be better spent on impactful initiatives like expanding green infrastructure.
More promising efforts include electrifying public transportation. Delhi has committed to replacing all compressed natural gas (CNG) buses with electric vehicles by 2028, and all taxis and delivery vehicles are to be fully electric by 2030.
These changes, although promising, will take years to impact air quality significantly.
Impact on residents and grassroots efforts
Delhi’s residents, particularly those who spend significant time outdoors, bear the brunt of the pollution. Sales of air purifiers have risen, though many still view these devices as luxuries rather than essentials.
Some residents have turned to social media to express frustration, while others experiment with “immunity-boosting” remedies to counteract pollution-related ailments.
Government officials have occasionally promoted such “remedies” online, which has led to public skepticism, as people feel a systemic solution is more critical than individual health hacks.
While grassroots advocacy and educational campaigns are gaining traction, the general public often feels disillusioned, with limited avenues to press for more robust policies.
The government’s intermittent restrictions and advisories to avoid outdoor activities during high pollution periods only emphasize the extent of the crisis.
Comparing India’s pollution levels globally
India is home to nine of the world’s ten most polluted cities, and 42 of the top 50, according to IQAir, a Swiss air quality technology company.
Delhi regularly tops the list, far exceeding safe AQI levels set by the World Health Organization. In contrast, other countries have shown more progress.
For example, China has successfully decreased PM2.5 levels in major cities through stringent policies and investment in clean energy, illustrating that sustained efforts can yield results.
On a per-country basis, India’s air pollution mortality rate is lower than in parts of Africa and West Asia, where desert dust and other factors contribute to high particulate levels.
However, the sheer scale of India’s population amplifies the health impact, leading to a higher absolute number of pollution-related deaths.
The path forward: tackling India’s air pollution crisis
Addressing India’s air quality challenge requires a comprehensive approach involving stronger enforcement of existing regulations, increased funding, and sustained public awareness campaigns.
Experts suggest that targeting vehicular emissions and industrial pollution through stricter regulations and incentives for green energy will yield the most immediate benefits.
Improved data collection and air quality monitoring would also provide a better understanding of pollution trends, allowing for more effective interventions.
A shift toward sustainable urban planning, such as increasing green spaces and investing in cleaner public transport, would reduce long-term air pollution.
Additionally, international cooperation and support from global environmental agencies can aid India in its journey to cleaner air, ensuring that economic development does not come at the cost of public health.
For India to address the issue effectively, policymakers must recognize the broader economic implications of pollution.
A clean-air policy is not only a public health mandate but also a strategic economic imperative. With millions of working-age citizens impacted, India’s productivity and healthcare system are under strain.
As such, tackling air pollution could enhance quality of life, drive economic growth, and position India as a global leader in sustainable development.
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