Delhi’s air remains “very poor”, and it is likely to worsen as the Diwali festivities fade.
India’s economy and public health are both affected by the pollution crisis.
Anand Vihar registered in the severe category of pollution in Anand Vihar.
The Central Pollution Control Board’s data shows Delhi’s Air Quality Index (AQI), which is a measure of air pollution, has exceeded 300. PM2.5 pollutant levels were recorded at 145 milligrams/cubic meter. This figure was significantly higher than the World Health Organization safe limit.
Air pollution continues to worsen
India’s largest city, with over 30 millions residents, is battling one of the world’s most persistent pollution problems.
The AQI level in 2023 remained high throughout the year, especially during winter when cold air trapped pollutants near the surface.
According to studies, this elevated season of pollution is a serious health hazard that affects cities such as Chennai, Bangalore and Shimla.
According to a Lancet report, air pollution is responsible for nearly 18% (or nearly half) of all deaths in India in 2019.
The fine particulate (PM2.5), which is microscopic in size, can penetrate deeply into the bloodstream and lungs, increasing risk for cardiovascular disease, respiratory problems, and cancer.
The impact of pollution on India’s Gross Domestic Product
According to a World Bank study, India’s air pollution crisis is having serious economic effects. Healthcare costs and premature death are estimated to cost the country 1.36% its GDP.
Employees exposed to harmful air are at greater risk of illness. This can lead to time away from work, which has a negative impact on productivity.
Businesses and health care systems face constant pressure, and this could affect growth in the long term, especially Delhi, an important hub for government and commerce.
The World Bank estimated that by 2023 the cost of health problems linked to pollution will be over 36 billion dollars. Tourism and agriculture, as well as other industries are affected.
New Delhi’s reputation as the most polluted city in the world can deter international tourists, affecting tourism revenues and business investments.
Air pollution also affects the agriculture industry, resulting in reduced yields. This puts additional pressure on food chains and livelihoods for millions.
The root causes are stubble burning and vehicle emissions.
India’s air is polluted by many sources, including vehicular emissions, construction dust, smoke from industrial plants, and stubble-burning in nearby states such as Punjab and Haryana.
The Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology has found that although stubble-burning contributes to air pollution, it is vehicle emissions which are the main pollutant.
Temperature inversions during the winter trap pollutants and make them even more visible.
Air quality in 2023 did not significantly improve despite a reduction of 38% in the number of farm fires. This highlights how difficult it is to pinpoint a single reason.
A lack of agreement among scientists about the main contributors also complicates efforts to develop an effective policy.
What has India done?
India’s National Clean Air Programme, launched in 2019 by the Indian government, set out ambitious goals to reduce pollution levels across 122 cities. The program has not progressed as quickly as expected.
Delhi has taken several steps to reduce smog. These include limiting motor vehicle use, spraying mist, and installing tall air purifier towers that filter pollutants.
Research shows that smog-reducing towers are not as effective as they claim, and that funds would be better used on more impactful projects like green infrastructure.
Electrifying public transport is a promising initiative. Delhi is committed to electrifying all buses that run on compressed natural gas by 2028. All taxis, delivery vehicles and other vehicles will be electric by 2030.
It will be years before these changes have a significant impact on air quality.
Residents and grassroots initiatives
Delhi residents are particularly affected by pollution, especially those who spend a lot of time outside. Air purifier sales have increased, but many people still consider them to be luxuries.
Residents have taken to social media in order to vent their frustrations, and others are experimenting with “immunity boosting” remedies as a way to combat pollution-related illnesses.
Online, government officials sometimes promote such “remedies”, which have led to public suspicion, because people believe a more systemic approach is needed than simple health hacks.
Although grassroots campaigns and education are becoming more popular, many people feel disillusioned by the lack of options available to them for a stronger policy.
Intermittent restrictions by the government and warnings to stay indoors during periods of high pollution only highlight the severity of the situation.
Compare India’s pollution levels with other countries
According to IQAir, a Swiss company that specializes in air quality technologies, India has nine out of the ten polluted cities of the world, as well as 42 of the 50.
Delhi consistently tops the list and exceeds safe AQI limits set by WHO. Other countries, however, have made more progress.
China, for example, has reduced PM2.5 levels by a significant amount in its major cities, thanks to strict policies and investments in clean energy. This shows that consistent efforts can produce results.
India has a lower mortality rate due to air pollution than parts of Africa or West Asia where dust from the desert and other factors can contribute to higher particulate concentrations.
The sheer size of India’s populace amplifies pollution-related health impacts, leading to an increased absolute number of deaths.
India’s air quality crisis: the way forward
India’s challenge with air pollution requires a multi-faceted approach that includes increased funding and public awareness campaigns, as well as a stronger enforcement of the existing regulations.
According to experts, the best way to reduce vehicular and industrial emissions is through tighter regulation and green incentives.
A better data collection system and monitoring of air quality would allow for a more accurate understanding of trends in pollution, which could lead to a more efficient intervention.
Air pollution can be reduced by a shift towards sustainable urban planning.
In addition, India can benefit from international support and cooperation with global environmental agencies, which will help it achieve cleaner air. This way, economic growth won’t come at the expense of public health.
To address this issue in India effectively, the policymakers need to understand the wider economic impacts of pollution.
Clean air is not just a matter of public health, but it’s also an economic and strategic imperative. India’s healthcare and productivity are affected by the millions of citizens who have been impacted.
In this way, India could become a leader of sustainable development by tackling air pollutants.
The post Delhi’s AQI crossed 300: How is air pollution affecting India’s economic? This post may change as new information becomes available
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