AIR POLLUTION, POLLUTANTS and its causes, effects, severity of air pollution and its measures taken to control air pollution in INDIA

 What is AIR POLLUTION???

    Air Pollution is the contamination of the atmosphere with harmful substances that can adversely affect human health, ecosystems, and climate.  The contaminating substances that cause air pollution are called Air Pollutants.  These substances can be gases, particles, or a combination of both and come from various sources.  Air Pollution is one of the prominent types of Environmental Pollution.

Which is called as AIR POLLUTANTS:

    Air pollutants are harmful substances released into the atmosphere, causing damage to the environment and human health. These include particulate matter (PM), carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen oxides (NOx), sulfur dioxide (SO2), ozone (O3), and volatile organic compounds (VOCs).

Main Causes of AIR POLLUTION:

• Vehicle emissions – Exhaust from cars and trucks.
• Industrial activities – Factories and power plants releasing pollutants.
• Burning fossil fuels – Coal, oil, and gas for energy.
• Agricultural activities – Pesticides, fertilisers, and livestock.
• Deforestation – Reducing trees that absorb CO2.
• Waste disposal – Burning and decomposition of waste.
• Natural events – Wildfires, volcanic eruptions, and dust storms.

Severity of Air pollution in INDIA:

• Air quality in India has deteriorated significantly over the past two decades.
• India’s current air pollution levels are among the highest in the world, posing a heavy threat to the country’s health and economy.
• In 2021, around 97 per cent of the country’s population was exposed to particulate matter (PM2.5) in excess of the value specified by the World Health Organization (WHO) air quality guidelines, making them vulnerable to serious health risks.
• The rate at which air pollution, especially urban, has been growing across India is a cause of concern.
• Most cities fail to meet health-based standards due to deteriorating air quality.
  • Almost all cities are reeling under severe particulate pollution, while newer pollutants like nitrogen oxides and air toxics have begun to add to the public health challenge.
  • Interestingly, even small and medium-sized cities are seeing a phenomenal rise in pollution.

Effects of Air Pollution in India:

    Air pollution in India poses grave, multi-faceted risks to India and its people. Some of the major effects of air pollution in India are as follows:

1. Health Effects

• Air pollution in India poses serious health risks, including respiratory diseases such as asthma and chronic bronchitis, cardiovascular conditions, and premature mortality.
• Air pollution in India increases mortality and morbidity rates.
• A 2018 report by the Health Effects Institute projects a rise in annual deaths due to air pollution in India from 1.1 million in 2015 to 1.7 million in 2030.

               2.Environmental Effects:

• Air pollution in India adversely affects ecosystems by contaminating soil and water bodies, damaging vegetation, and impacting wildlife.
• High concentrations of sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides can lead to Acid Rain, which has environmental impacts.
• Some air pollutants, such as greenhouse gases (e.g., carbon dioxide and methane), contribute to global warming and climate change.

                3. Economic Effects

• Air pollution in India can have significant economic costs, manifesting in various forms.
• Air pollution in India reduces agricultural productivity and yields by damaging the soil.
• Air pollution in India also rapidly increases public health expenditure due to increased health issues.
• Exacerbated health issues also lead to diminished labour productivity.
• Estimates peg the economic cost of air pollution to the Indian economy at more than $150 billion annually.

Measures Taken to Control Air Pollution in INDIA:

    To control air pollution in India and minimise its impacts, the Government of India has taken the following measures:

• The Air (Prevention And Control of Pollution) Act, 1981, has been enacted to provide a legislative framework for air pollution control measures.
• The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and State Pollution Control Boards (SPCBs) have been entrusted with the functions and powers to monitor air quality nationwide.
• The Government has notified the National Ambient Air Quality Standards 2009, which envisages 12 pollutants to indicate the levels of air quality.
• Setting up a monitoring network to assess ambient air quality in different cities.
• Introducing cleaner or alternate fuels like CNG, LPG, and bio-diesel (B20) is also essential.
• Strengthening public transport networks, including Metro and Bus Rapid Transit System (BRTS).
• Setting up of common pollution control facilities for industrial pollution control.
• Rollout of Bharat Stage VI norms have been enforced all over the country since 2020.
• Stringent industrial standards have been formulated and notified for public/stakeholder comments.
• Environment clearances have been made compulsory for developmental projects. Also, public hearings have been made an important component of the Environmental Impact Assessment process.
• Environmental audits have been made compulsory for all polluting industries.
• Introduction of Green Crackers, Smog Towers, etc.

Air Quality Index (AQI):

• The AQI is a ‘One Number-One Colour-One Description’ of air quality information that allows the common man to judge the air quality within his vicinity.
• It simplifies air quality information that is easily understood by a common person.
• The formulation of the index was a continuation of the initiatives under the Swachh Bharat Mission.

Pollutants Covered under Air Quality Index (AQI):

• Under the AQI, an effort has been made to include a comprehensive set of parameters.
• While the earlier measuring index was limited to just three indicators, the addition of five additional indicators has made the AQI quite comprehensive.
• Thus, the AQI will consider eight pollutants (PM10, PM2.5, NO2, SO2, CO, O3, NH3, and Pb) for which short-term (up to 24-hour averaging period) National Ambient Air Quality Standards are prescribed.
• A sub-index is calculated for each of these pollutants based on the measured ambient concentrations, corresponding standards, and likely health impact.

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