Introduction
The World Air Quality Report 2024, published by Swiss air technology firm IQAir, provides a comprehensive analysis of global air pollution levels. The report highlights concerning trends and offers insights into the factors contributing to deteriorating air quality worldwide. With air pollution emerging as a significant health crisis, it is crucial to understand its impact, causes, and potential solutions.
India's Air Pollution Crisis
High PM2.5 Levels:
India's average PM2.5 concentration in 2024 was 50.6 µg/m³, surpassing the World Health Organization's (WHO) safe limit of 5 µg/m³ by ten times. This extreme pollution level makes India one of the most affected nations globally.
Most Polluted Cities in India:
India dominates the list of the world's most polluted cities, with 13 out of the top 20 being from the country. Byrnihat (128.2 µg/m³) and Delhi (91.6 µg/m³) rank among the worst, suffering from severe air quality deterioration.
Health Impact of Air Pollution:
Air pollution is a leading cause of premature mortality, with an estimated 2.1 million deaths in India in 2021 directly linked to poor air quality. Chronic respiratory diseases, cardiovascular conditions, and cancer are among the severe health consequences.
Regional Air Quality Challenges:
Northern states like Delhi, Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh face extreme pollution due to a combination of crop burning, industrial emissions, and high vehicular traffic.
Global Air Pollution Status
The Widespread Air Quality Crisis:
Shockingly, 99% of the world’s population breathes air exceeding WHO’s PM2.5 limit. Only 12 countries meet safe air quality levels, emphasizing the urgent need for stricter regulations.
Most Polluted Countries:
Chad: 91.8 µg/m³
Bangladesh: 78 µg/m³
Pakistan: 73.7 µg/m³
Congo: 58.2 µg/m³
India: 50.6 µg/m³
Health Risks of Air Pollution:
Globally, air pollution caused 1 million deaths in 2021, making it the second-largest risk factor for mortality after high blood pressure. South Asia, Africa, and the Middle East are the most affected, while Europe and Oceania benefit from stringent regulations and renewable energy adoption.
Primary Causes of Air Pollution
Fossil Fuel Combustion:
Power plants, industries, and vehicles release high levels of PM2.5, significantly deteriorating air quality.
Crop Burning:
Stubble burning in Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh contributes to nearly 60% of Delhi’s winter pollution.
Industrial Emissions:
Heavy industries, distilleries, and steel plants significantly increase air pollution levels in cities like Byrnihat.
Construction Dust:
Unregulated urban expansion and infrastructure projects result in excessive particulate matter emissions.
Challenges in Controlling Air Pollution
Weak Policy Enforcement:
Ineffective implementation of pollution control policies like the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) weakens air quality management.
Lack of Coordination:
States follow different pollution control measures, leading to inconsistent results.
Public Apathy:
Low awareness and weak compliance hinder efforts to mitigate pollution.
Rising Vehicular Emissions:
Traffic congestion and fossil fuel dependence contribute to escalating pollution levels.
Limited Air Quality Monitoring:
Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities lack real-time air quality tracking systems, making regulatory action difficult.
Effective Solutions to Combat Air Pollution
Strict Enforcement of GRAP:
Banning stubble burning and limiting industrial emissions can significantly improve air quality.
Investment in Public Transport:
Encouraging electric vehicles (EVs) and expanding metro networks will reduce vehicular pollution.
Green Energy Transition:
Switching from coal-based power plants to renewable energy sources can curb pollution.
Better Urban Planning:
Creating green belts, regulating construction dust, and improving air filtration can enhance air quality.
Community Awareness Programs:
Educating people about air pollution’s health risks and mitigation strategies is crucial for long-term improvement.
Conclusion
The World Air Quality Report 2024 exposes the growing air pollution crisis in India and worldwide. Despite the presence of regulatory policies, their weak enforcement has led to little improvement. To tackle this crisis effectively, India must prioritize stricter pollution control measures, promote sustainable urban planning, and encourage public participation. Failure to act swiftly will have dire consequences on public health and the environment.
MCQs on Air Pollution for UPSC CSE
What is the safe limit of PM2.5 concentration set by the WHO?
(A) 15 µg/m³
(B) 10 µg/m³
(C) 5 µg/m³
(D) 50 µg/m³
Answer: (C) 5 µg/m³
Which Indian city recorded the highest PM2.5 levels in the World Air Quality Report 2024?
(A) Mumbai
(B) Delhi
(C) Byrnihat
(D) Patna
Answer: (C) Byrnihat
What is the primary cause of Delhi’s winter pollution?
(A) Industrial emissions
(B) Vehicular traffic
(C) Crop burning
(D) Construction dust
Answer: (C) Crop burning
Mains Question
Describe the key points of the revised Global Air Quality Guidelines (AQGs) released by the WHO. How are these different from the 2005 update? What changes in India’s National Clean Air Programme are required to achieve these revised standards?
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