Context: The World Air Quality Report 2024 by IQAir, a Swiss air quality technology company, highlights severe air pollution levels globally.
Relevance of the Topic: Prelims: Key Facts about World Air Quality Report 2024.
Key Findings of World Air Quality Report 2024
1. Most Polluted Countries (PM2.5 levels in µg/m³)
- India ranks as the 5th most polluted country, with 13 of the 20 most polluted cities located in India.
- India’s PM2.5 concentration in 2024 was 50.6 µg/m³, a 7% decrease from 2023 (54.4 µg/m³).
- Only 12 countries worldwide met WHO’s PM2.5 guideline of 5 µg/m³.
2. Most Polluted Cities in the World
- Byrnihat (Assam-Meghalaya border; a regional industrial hub) is the most polluted city globally, with a PM2.5 level of 128.2 µg/m³.
- Delhi is the most polluted capital city globally for the sixth consecutive year (PM2.5: 108.3 µg/m³ in 2024).
- Six Indian cities are in the top 10 most polluted cities worldwide.
Causes of Air Pollution in India
Anthropogenic Factors:
- Crop Stubble Burning:
- Major source in Punjab, Haryana, UP, and Delhi NCR.
- 60% contribution to PM2.5 levels during peak pollution periods.
- Vehicular Emissions:
- Rapid urbanisation and increase in automobiles.
- Use of diesel and older vehicles worsens pollution.
- Industrial Discharges: Thermal power plants, cement, and steel industries emit SO₂, NO₂, and PM.
- Construction & Demolition Dust: Metro projects, real estate boom, lack of dust control measures.
- Firecrackers: Diwali and winter festivals aggravate pollution levels.
Natural & Meteorological Factors:
- Winter Temperature Inversion: Cold air traps pollutants, worsening air quality.
- Low Wind Speeds: Stagnant air prevents dispersal of pollutants.
- Geographical Factors: The Indo-Gangetic Plain traps pollutants due to Himalayan barrier effect.
Impacts of Air Pollution:
(A) Health Effects
- Respiratory diseases (asthma, lung infections, COPD).
- Cardiovascular issues (stroke, heart attacks).
- Chronic illnesses (kidney disease, cancer).
- Reduced life expectancy.
(B) Economic Impact
- Increased healthcare costs.
- Loss of workforce productivity.
- Impact on agriculture (pollutants affect crop yield).
(C) Environmental Impact
- Smog formation affecting visibility.
- Acid rain affecting soil and water bodies.
- Impact on biodiversity.
Government Measures to Control Air Pollution:
(A) Policy & Action Plans:
- National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) (2019): Targets 40% reduction in PM2.5 & PM10 levels by 2026 in non-attainment cities.
- Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) (2017): Temporary measures in Delhi-NCR based on AQI levels.
- Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) (2021): Permanent body to coordinate air pollution control in Delhi-NCR.
- State-Specific Action Plans: Punjab & Haryana promoting Happy Seeder machines & Pusa bio-decomposers for stubble management.
(B) Technological & Infrastructural Measures:
1. BS-VI Fuel Standards (2020): Stricter emission norms for vehicles
2. Faster Adoption of Electric Vehicles (FAME-II): Encouraging EVs & public transport
3. Odd-Even Scheme (Delhi): Reducing vehicular congestion
(C) Judicial & Legislative Interventions:
1. Supreme Court Ban on Firecrackers: Promoting green firecrackers.
2. NGT & EPCA Regulations: Ban on diesel generators in Delhi.
Challenges & Way Forward:
Challenges:
- Poor enforcement of environmental laws.
- Dependence on crop residue burning in agriculture.
- Limited public transport & clean energy alternatives.
Way Forward:
- Strict implementation of NCAP & GRAP.
- Investment in public transport, metro networks & EVs.
- Use of alternative stubble disposal methods.
- Cross-state coordination for pollution control.