air pollution essay upsc

Air Pollution

Air pollution is the contamination of the atmosphere by harmful substances, such as gases, particulates, and biological molecules, which can cause detrimental effects on human health, ecosystems, and the Earth's climate. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 9 out of 10 people worldwide breathe air containing high levels of pollutants.

• Definition: Air pollution refers to the presence of harmful substances or pollutants, including particulate matter (PM), nitrogen oxides (NOx), sulfur dioxide (SO2), volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and carbon monoxide (CO) in the air that can adversely impact human health, ecosystems, and the overall quality of the environment.

Types of Air Pollutants: Particulate Matter (PM), Nitrogen Oxides (NOx), Sulfur Dioxide (SO2), Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), Carbon Monoxide (CO), Ozone (O3)

Major Sources of Air Pollution:

• Industrial Emissions , Vehicular Emissions:  
• Agricultural Practices: Crop residue burning 
• Domestic Activities: The use of solid fuels for cooking in rural areas 
• Natural Sources: Dust storms prevalent in arid regions like Rajasthan. 

National air pollution policy framework in India:

Legislative Framework:

• Constitutional Provisions: The Constitution of India recognizes the right to a clean and healthy environment, providing a legal basis for formulating air pollution policies.
• Environmental Legislation: Acts such as the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981, and the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, establish the regulatory framework for addressing air pollution in the country.
• The National Green Tribunal (NGT) Act, 2010: Provides a specialized forum for the effective and expeditious disposal of cases related to environmental protection and air pollution control.
• Key Policies and Programs: National Clean Air Programme (NCAP), Air Quality Index (AQI), Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY)
• Objectives of air pollution policy: Emission Reduction Targets, Promotion of Clean Technologies, Strengthening Monitoring and Enforcement, Public Awareness and Participation, International Cooperation. 

Initiatives to Control Air Pollution

• National Clean Air Programme (NCAP ): to tackle the air pollution problem across the country in a comprehensive manner with targets to achieve 20 % to 30 % reduction in PM 10  and PM 2.5  concentrations by 2024.
• Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) for prevention, control and abatement of air pollution in Delhi and NCR.
• Green Crackers Awareness Campaign, Green Good Deeds
• SAMEER app air quality information is available to the public along with a provision for registering complaints against air polluting activities.

Important programs to control Air Pollution

Fly Ash Utilization

Introduction:

• Meaning: Fly ash utilization refers to the beneficial reuse of fly ash, a by-product generated from coal combustion in power plants. Instead of being disposed of as waste, fly ash can be utilized in various applications, offering environmental and economic benefits.
• Fly ash: Fine powder consisting of inorganic particles, primarily composed of silica, alumina, and iron oxide, obtained from coal combustion.

Importance of Fly Ash Utilization:

• Environmental benefits: Reduces the need for landfill space, minimizing the release of pollutants into air, water, and soil.
• Resource conservation: Reduces the extraction of natural resources by utilizing fly ash as a substitute material.
• Energy conservation: Reduces the energy required for producing alternative materials, such as cement or bricks.
• Economic opportunities: Creates new industries and employment opportunities in fly ash processing and utilization.
• Sustainable agriculture: Enhances soil fertility, water retention, and crop productivity when used as a soil amendment.

Applications of Fly Ash : Cement and concrete industry, Construction materials, Road construction, Agriculture and soil improvement, Waste management, Geopolymer production 

Challenges in Fly Ash Utilization:

• Quality variation: Fly ash characteristics can vary, requiring proper testing and quality control measures for different applications.
• Market demand: Promoting the benefits of fly ash utilization and creating a market demand for fly ash-based products can be challenging.
• Regulatory and policy framework: Ensuring proper regulations, guidelines, and incentives to encourage fly ash utilization and ensure safe handling and disposal.
• Technological limitations: Some applications may require further research and development to improve the performance and compatibility of fly ash-based materials.
• Stakeholder engagement: Collaboration and coordination among stakeholders, including power plants, industries, and government agencies, is essential for effective fly ash utilization.
• Public perception: Addressing concerns and misconceptions regarding the safety and performance of fly ash-based products is crucial.

Conclusion : Fly ash utilization offers vast potential for sustainable development and environmental stewardship. By raising awareness, investing in research and innovation, strengthening policies, and fostering collaboration, we can maximize its benefits, create a circular economy, and build a greener, more sustainable future.

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AIR POLLUTION INDIA

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• During 2018-2021, India witnessed the maximum levels of human-induced air pollution, noted a new study.

Highlights of the study

• This period, traversing the three phases of the COVID-19 pandemic (pre, during and post), saw a surge in air pollution owing to the development of transportation, industrial power plants, green space dynamics and unplanned urbanisation in the country, noted the study.
• The research titled  Machine learning-based country-level annual air pollutants exploration using Sentinel-5P and Google Earth Engine was published in journal  Nature  .
• Anthropogenic actions are the foremost reason for climatic conditions and atmospheric changes, and India is the country most affected by such activities , it added. 
• In terms of rural air pollution, “ agricultural waste burning is also the main reason ,” it added.
• The years 2020 and 2021 saw drastic changes in Air Quality Index (AQI), whereas 2018 and 2019 saw low AQI throughout the year.
• Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai, Pune and Chennai recorded huge fluctuations in terms of air pollution during the study period.
• In India, anthropogenic activities and human health-related problems are increasing gradually.
• This triggers health issues and pollution-related diseases like asthma, respiratory disease, lung cancer, as well as skin-related diseases.
• The primary pollutants of concern are NO2, carbon monoxide, ozone, sulphur dioxide and methane.

Air pollution and extreme climatic conditions

• They are mutually connected .
• Sunlight is affected by air pollutants like methane, ozone and aerosols.
• The high voltage electric discharge has altered oxygen to ozone.
• And the subsequent depletion of the ozone layer increased the penetration of ultraviolet rays.
• Similarly, climate change also influences air quality and pollutants, noted the study.

Way Forward according to the study

• Awareness and planning are much needed for protecting our environment.
• Proper planning, management and development strategies can help protect the environment.
• Otherwise, climate change and air pollution will increase health emergencies, ecological diversity and environmental degradation, the study warned.

Air Pollution- a multifaceted risk

• Air pollution poses a multi-faceted risk due to its adverse impact on health.
• It is the leading contributor of mortality from cardiovascular diseases, stroke, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and lung cancer.
• DALYs (Disability adjusted life years) due to air pollution is alarming , which is a composite metric that combines the years of life lost due to premature death (YLLs) and the years lived with disability (YLDs).
• Air pollution has also severe adverse impacts on flora and fauna in different regions, threatening the environment and ecosystem and even leading to extinction of some species.
• The populations are affected not only by exposing to outdoor pollution but also the indoor air pollution is very high across different vulnerable regions.
• The socio-economic impact of air pollution affects the population in different ways , particularly economically deprived people in a more vulnerable way.
• It is estimated that 9 out of 10 people worldwide are exposed to air pollution .
• According to WHO, air pollution kills around 7 million people every year worldwide.

Scenario in India

• India has an average PM2.5 level of 40-50 μg per cubic meter, approximately four times that of WHO prescribed limit of 10 μg.
• The air pollution in Indian cities, on average, exceeded the WHO recommended safe limit threshold by an alarming 500% .
• Among 30 most polluted cities in the world, 22 cities of India were found to be most polluted (World Air Quality report 2020).
• WHO (2019) ranked India as the fifth most country affected by air-pollution based on the PM2.5 concentrations .
• It is estimated that about 1.7 million deaths in 2019 occurred in India due to direct and indirect effect of air pollution only; which is about 18% of the total deaths during the period.
• It is estimated that about 1.36% of GDP has been lost due to premature deaths and morbidity in India.
• This economic loss has been estimated to affect state GDP ranging from 0.67% to 2.15%.

Sources of Air Pollution in India

• The most commonly identified sources are vehicles, manufacturing and electricity generation industries, construction activities, road dust, waste and agriculture burning, combustion of oil, coal and biomass in the households, and marine/sea salt.
• Population growth, rapid urbanization, industrialization and increasing economic activities have also contributed to an increase in the level of air pollution.

Major air pollutants

• Particulate matters (PM1, PM2.5, PM10), NOX, SOx, CO, Ozone, and Pb etc ., are the major pollutants impacting the air quality.
• The data generated from National Air quality programme, 5 and PM10 are the major pollutants which are found to be exceeding National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS).
• In urban areas, the road traffic emissions are one of the major contributors to air pollution.
• While road dust is a major contributor to PM emissions in the mega cities like Delhi (37%), Mumbai (30%), and Kolkata (61%).
• Similarly, road transport is also the largest contributor to PM2.5 in Bengaluru (41%), Chennai (34%), Surat (42%), and Indore (47%).

Major policy initiatives by the Indian Government

• The Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981

National Air Quality Monitoring Programme (NAMP)

• National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS)
• National Air Quality Index (AQI) Comprehensive Action Plan (CAP) in 2018 to identify timelines and implementing agencies for actions identified for prevention, control and mitigation of air pollution in Delhi and NCR
• Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) for prevention, control and abatement of air pollution in Delhi and NCR.
• The Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission (JNNSM)
• Environment Pollution (Prevention and Control) Authority (EPCA)
• National Clean Air Programme (NCAP)
• Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana
• It was constituted in September 1974 under the Water (Prevention and Control Pollution) Act 1974 which was further entrusted with powers and functions under the Air (Prevention and Control Pollution) Act 1981.
• National Air Quality Monitoring Programme (NAMP), started in 1984, is a nation-wide program being executed by the Government to determine the prominence of ambient air quality exposed to three different air pollutants, SO2, NO2, and PM10 at all locations.
• The NAMP comprises of 703 manual operating stations in 307 cities of the country.
• The other parameters like PM2.5, Carbon monoxide (CO), Ammonia (NH3), Lead (Pb), Ozone (O3), Benzene (C6H6), Benzo (a)pyrene (BaP), Arsenic (AS) and Nickel (Ni) are being monitored at selected locations and slowly being added in the monitoring network of NAMP.
• One of the important initiatives for air quality evolution is Air Quality Index (AQI) launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2015.
• AQI is a tool for transformation of complex air quality data of various pollutants into a single number, to keep people informed about the status of air quality.
• There are six AQI categories, namely Good, Satisfactory, Moderate, Poor, Severe, and Hazardous.
• The proposed AQI will consider eight pollutants (PM10, PM2.5, NO2, SO2, CO, O3, NH3, and Pb) for which short-term (up to 24-hourly averaging period)
• Recently, the National Clean Air Program (NCAP) was launched by the government.
• This program aims at reducing PM2.5 and PM10 concentrations in 122 cities in India by 20-30% by 2024 compared to the corresponding levels in 2017.
• One recent initiative is the high-tech Air Quality Early Warning System for forecasting extreme air pollution developed by Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM), India Meteorological Department and National Centre for Medium Range Weather Forecasting (NCMRWF) under Ministry of Earth Sciences.
• To predict air quality at block level, the government has unveiled fastest and first Multi Petaflop supercomputer “PRATYUSH” High Power Computing (HPC) system at Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM).
• System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting Research known as “SAFAR” has also been introduced by the Government for greater metropolitan cities of India to provide location specific information on air quality in near real time.
• India has taken a bold initiative towards transformation of cities to Smart Cities . The smart city can help in control of air pollution in various ways.

Sector Specific Challenges and Interventions

Transportation

• The transport sector accounts for more than 16 percent of total carbon equivalent emissions and over 33 percent of the PM pollution.
•  The BS-VI (Bharat Standard) norms for vehicular and fuel emission standards were adopted in 2020.
• The National Policy on Biofuels had been announced in 2018, and aims to achieve 20 percent blending of ethanol in petrol and 5 percent blending of biodiesel in diesel by 2030.
• Additionally, a national electric mobility mission plan 2020 has also been introduced and it aims at increasing the adoption of electronic vehicles. The target of the government is to have a complete ecosystem of E-mobility by 2030, enabling a share of more than 30 percent for the electric vehicles among the total.

Agriculture

• The various factors that contribute to the worsening of air quality due to agricultural activities include, seasonal burning of crop residues, emissions of greenhouse gases such as methane (CH4), Ammonia (NH3), Nitrous Oxide (N2O) and Carbon Dioxide (CO2) from farming and/or cattle rearing.
• In 2014, Government formulated the national policy on residue burning namely ‘ National Policy for management of Crop Residue (NPMCR)’ .
• A new central sector scheme on 'Promotion of Agricultural mechanization for insitu management of crop residues in the states of Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and NCT of Delhi' for a period of two years was implemented.
• Many alternative technology-based solutions are being tried such as Pyro former - a waste to energy technology. Other available solutions (e.g., PUSA Decomposer ) rely on biochemical processes.
• Manufacturing and construction are major industries that are contributing towards air pollution in large scale.
• Volatile organic compounds (VOCs), hazardous air pollutants (HAPs) and solid particulate matter (PM) are some major pollutants that is generated by the manufacturing industries.
• International Institute for Energy Conservation (IIEC) is helping two Indian states- Gujarat and Odisha to build air quality monitoring and tracking capacity .
• CPCB has developed ‘Range of pollution Index’ for classification of Indian industries.

Clean Fuel Initiatives

• The Environment (Protection) Amendment Rules, 2015 mandated upgrading the thermal power plants by December 2022.
• The government also is exploring the possibilities of utilization of Flash from TPPs (Thermal Power Plants) in efficient manner.

Adoption of Renewable Sources of Energy

• India aims to generate 175GW of energy from renewable sources (100GW from Solar).

Climate Change influenced by Air Pollution

• The UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), aims to prevent “dangerous” human interference in the climate system and recognizes human activities are the major contributors of climate change.
• The first COP (COP1) laid the foundation for Kyoto Protocol. It emphasised the countries to strengthen the measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
• The COP3 urged countries to reduce emissions by an average of 5 percent and a carbon market called “cap and trade” was created to encourage sustainable development.
• The COP15 came up with a non-binding document which acknowledges that the global temperatures should not increase by 2 degrees C above the preindustrial levels.
• In COP16, the Green Climate Fund of USD 100 billion was established to assist developing countries in climate change mitigation and adaptation.
• The Paris agreement which is the most significant climate agreement was signed by 196 countries. Its mission is to keep global temperature rise below 2 degrees C and undertake efforts to keep it below 1.5 degrees C.

Way Forward

• All vehicles and engines must abide by emission standards for specific pollutants , including smog, soot and greenhouse gases.
• Installing air filtration systems in areas with high levels of pollution may assist in reducing exposure to toxic air.
• Reducing the effects of acid deposition caused by acid rain which leads to stratospheric ozone depletion should be given considerable importance.
• Air pollution has to be recognised as a disaster and should be in the ambit of National Disaster Management authority whenever the limits cross dangerous levels.
• Many solutions for clean air are not technology solutions as such. They need to be interfaced with socio-economic aspects and involve citizen/citizen groups .
• A revision in NAAQs is necessary as the current standards did not result in effective air pollution control.
• The current mechanism of air quality monitoring should be expanded to rural areas as well .
• Regional air pollution prevention and control programs should be developed by providing technical and financial support to the State governments.
• Establishing “ Clean Air Technology Center” in regions of high pollution may serve as a good initiative to reduce air pollution to some extent. Such centers may aid as resource centres to control air pollution prevention technologies like implementation and efficiency.
• Mapping of city-wise major sources of Air pollution . The highly polluted areas should be declared as air pollution management areas and preference should be given to control the emission sources in such areas.
• The government should enforce a legislation to prohibit the use of coal at least in some industrial and household applications.
• The financing for clean energy through innovative financing may be provided by the government to increase energy efficiency and expand clean energy.
• Need of Effective Collaboration between inter-state and interministerial for formulation of policies and implementation.
• More Scientific studies on impacts of air pollution on health of human, environment and the ecosystems and need greater public awareness of the problems and action to be taken.
• India needs actionable, implementable polices that are based on good assessment of pollution levels and sources.
• Projects on trans-boundary air pollution should be initiated in India and more funding for emission inventories, acid deposition accompanied by modelling studies for the assessment of transport should be provided.

https://www.downtoearth.org.in/news/pollution/india-witnessed-worst-levels-of-human-induced-air-pollution-during-2018-2021-study-89447

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NCAP: National Clean Air Program

Last updated on October 13, 2023 by ClearIAS Team

Air pollution is one of the most significant causes of yearly human capital loss.

Tackling it requires collective efforts at global, national, and regional levels.

The National Clean Air Program (NCAP) is one such initiative taken at the national level.

Table of Contents

What is National Clean Air Program (NCAP)?

National Clean Air Program (NCAP) is a long-term, time-bound, national-level strategy to tackle the air pollution problem across the country in a comprehensive manner, Launched by the central government in 2019.

What are the targets under NCAP?

To achieve a 20% to 30% reduction in Particulate Matter (PM) concentrations by 2024 keeping 2017 as the base year for the comparison of concentration.

Steps taken so far towards the implementation of NCAP

• Under NCAP, 132 non-attainment cities have been identified across the country based on the Air Quality data from 2014-2018.
• The city-specific action plans have been prepared which include measures for strengthening the monitoring network, reducing vehicular or industrial emissions, increasing public awareness, etc.
• Implementation of the city-specific action plans is regularly monitored by Committees at the Central and State level namely Steering Committee, Monitoring Committee, and Implementation Committee.
• The air quality of cities is monitored by State Pollution Control Boards which publish their results from time to time.
• Some Smart Cities have established Integrated Command and Control Centres (ICCCs) which are also connected to Air Quality Monitors (AQMs) for effective monitoring.
• NCAP has a focus on the enhancement of technical and scientific knowledge as well. A National Knowledge Network (NKN) has been constituted with a group of experts from different reputed academic or research institutes in the country. These institutes will help the State and city level administrations in strategizing and taking up measures to tackle air pollution at local levels in a scientific, effective and efficient manner.
• The Ministry also launched recently a national portal for the National Clean Air Program “PRANA” -the Portal for Regulation of Air Pollution in Non-Attainment Cities which provides all information related to various policies or programs or schemes or activities of the stakeholders along with the progress made towards improvement in air quality across the country. This portal will be a platform for monitoring and feedback on all efforts made for air quality improvement.
• The most baffling part of NCAP is the absence of a robust fiscal and funding strategy.
• The pollution reduction target in these cities is not ‘legally binding’ on respective states.
• Inadequate PM2.5 monitoring.
• A reduction of merely 20-30% from the 2017 level by 2024 will not be sufficient to bring the air quality to the desired level, i.e., the targets under the action plan are less ambitious.

Related topics: Environment Impact Assessment , Environment laws in India

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Way forward

• It is necessary to adopt regional air quality planning for all cities and regions to improve overall air quality.
• A Large number of NCAP and non-NCAP cities need a substantial reduction in PM2.5 levels to meet the national ambient air quality standards in all climatic zones.
• Even though the NCAP program has targets for both PM2.5 and PM10 reduction by 2024, due to inadequate PM2.5 monitoring, Central Pollution Control Board considers only PM10 for the first air quality performance assessment for fund disbursement. This makes dust control the primary focus of clean air action diverting attention and resources from combustion sources. This includes industry, vehicles, and waste burning.
• State action plans under NCAP need to break the silos between NCAP and non-NCAP cities for region-wide air quality improvement and reduce emissions from industry, vehicles, waste, and solid fuels in households across all regions
• Performance assessment also requires strong data quality control and standardized protocol for reliable and credible assessment of air quality

Also read: GS Paper 3 UPSC 2020 (Mains) – Question Paper and Analysis

While India is one of the few countries which is on track to meet its international climate commitments, the country’s highest health burden due to air pollution makes it imperative for India to address this problem at its root cause and urgently. The need of the hour is to address the issue of air pollution in a comprehensive manner with the coordination and collaboration of all stakeholders, the Central Ministries and Departments, State and UT governments, urban local bodies, academic and research institutions, civil society organizations and citizens.

Article written by: Caroline 

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Essay on Air Pollution: Types, Causes & Effects of Air Pollution

March 10, 2021 by Sandeep

Air Pollution Essay: Air Pollution can be defined as the presence of toxic substances in the air in such a concentration that can be hazardous to humans and their surroundings. These toxic particles are commonly known as pollutants; out of these pollutants, oxides of carbon, nitrogen and sulphur are particularly harmful.

Essay on Air Pollution in 500 Words

Below we have provided Air Pollution Essay in English, suitable for class 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10 school students. This essay is drafted in easy and simple language.

Air Pollution is an environmental issue that poses a huge threat to billions of organisms surviving on our planet. It has been increasing at an alarming rate with an increase in the concentration of pollutants. The contamination of air by these hazardous pollutants has disrupted the natural balance in our environment. The quality of life has reduced.

Causes of Air Pollution

Two primary phenomena cause air pollution. One of them is the natural phenomenon that comprises volcanic eruptions, wildfires, radioactive elements, and volatile organic compounds. The other most crucial cause is human activity. With the increase in the number of industries, the contamination in the air automatically increases. Fuels and chemicals utilized in factories, mills, and industries release harmful chemicals to the atmosphere. These are organic compounds, gases, particulate matter, ash, and other volatile substances.

Chlorofluorocarbons, also known as CFCs, are another potent reason for air pollution. These chemicals get released from leaky refrigerants, spray tins, burning plastics and various other sources. They deplete the ozone layer and allow harmful UV rays to enter our atmosphere. This, in turn, causes serious illnesses. It is also responsible for smog in urban cities. Smog impairs visibility and can lead to accidents.

Carbon dioxide solely accounts for almost 57 percent of the air pollution. Greenhouse gases and Carbon dioxide together contribute to global warming . They also cause acid rains which are harmful to plants and man-made objects like ancient monuments.

Effects of Air Pollution

With the air quality deteriorating, our future is at stake. Increasing pollution can cause serious health hazards like cancer and cardiovascular issues. Children suffer from bronchitis and pneumonia. Irritation of the nose and throat, asthma attacks, pulmonary diseases are all outcomes of air pollution. Another significant effect of pollution is extreme climate change. Disrupting food chains, extinction of species, depleting the ozone layer are some of the grave issues we face today.

Control of Air Pollution

The Air Pollution Act forbids power sectors and high-scale industries from releasing particulate matter beyond a certain level. Chimneys, Electrostatic precipitators, and filters must be implanted to lessen the damage caused by the emissions.

People must be made aware of the grave conditions of air pollution. The government has taken a huge step to sensitize people regarding the consequences of pollution. We must do our part as well. Using the means of public transport will ensure less number of vehicles. Lesser vehicles mean lesser emission of pollutants.

Planting more and more trees can help solve this crisis. Reforestation in mining areas is also an effective step. Conservation of energy is of prime importance. Renewable energy sources like solar panels, wind turbines, hydroelectric power, and natural gas must be utilized. We must avoid burning dry leaves at our homes and must indulge in the habit of composting.

The implementation of Eco-friendly methods will ensure a cleaner and healthier environment. LPG (Liquefied Petroleum Gas), CNG (Compressed Natural Gas), and Biogas are some Eco-friendly substitutes of fuels. Together, we must strive to bring a change. Our efforts matter because they will bring in much-needed change. After all, everyone wants to live on a healthy planet.

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Air pollution and climate change: a pilot study to investigate citizens’ perception.

1. Introduction

1.1. air pollution, 1.2. climate change, 1.3. population perception, 1.4. rationale and aim of the study, 2. materials and methods, 4. discussion, 4.1. risk perception of the sample, 4.2. comparison with larger studies, 4.3. level of information and awareness of the sample, 4.4. pilot study, 5. conclusions, supplementary materials, author contributions, data availability statement, conflicts of interest.

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Stanisci, I.; Sarno, G.; Curzio, O.; Maio, S.; Angino, A.A.; Silvi, P.; Cori, L.; Viegi, G.; Baldacci, S. Air Pollution and Climate Change: A Pilot Study to Investigate Citizens’ Perception. Environments 2024 , 11 , 190. https://doi.org/10.3390/environments11090190

Stanisci I, Sarno G, Curzio O, Maio S, Angino AA, Silvi P, Cori L, Viegi G, Baldacci S. Air Pollution and Climate Change: A Pilot Study to Investigate Citizens’ Perception. Environments . 2024; 11(9):190. https://doi.org/10.3390/environments11090190

Stanisci, Ilaria, Giuseppe Sarno, Olivia Curzio, Sara Maio, Anna Antonietta Angino, Patrizia Silvi, Liliana Cori, Giovanni Viegi, and Sandra Baldacci. 2024. "Air Pollution and Climate Change: A Pilot Study to Investigate Citizens’ Perception" Environments 11, no. 9: 190. https://doi.org/10.3390/environments11090190

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• Biology Article

Air Pollution Control

Air pollution & its control, air pollution definition.

“Air Pollution is the release of pollutants such as gases, particles, biological molecules, etc. into the air that is harmful to human health and the environment.”

Air Pollution Diagram

Table of Contents

What is Air Pollution?

Types of air pollutants, primary pollutants, secondary pollutants, causes of air pollution.

Air pollution refers to any physical, chemical or biological change in the air. It is the contamination of air by harmful gases, dust and smoke which affects plants, animals and humans drastically.

There is a certain percentage of gases present in the atmosphere. An increase or decrease in the composition of these gases is harmful to survival. This imbalance in the gaseous composition has resulted in an increase in earth’s temperature, which is known as global warming.

There are two types of air pollutants:

The pollutants that directly cause air pollution are known as primary pollutants. Sulphur-dioxide emitted from factories is a primary pollutant.

The pollutants formed by the intermingling and reaction of primary pollutants are known as secondary pollutants. Smog, formed by the intermingling of smoke and fog, is a secondary pollutant.

Also Read:  Water Pollution

Following are the important causes of air pollution:

Burning of Fossil Fuels

The combustion of fossil fuels emits a large amount of sulphur dioxide. Carbon monoxide released by incomplete combustion of fossil fuels also results in air pollution.

Automobiles

The gases emitted from vehicles such as jeeps, trucks, cars, buses, etc. pollute the environment. These are the major sources of greenhouse gases and also result in diseases among individuals.

Agricultural Activities

Ammonia is one of the most hazardous gases emitted during agricultural activities. The insecticides, pesticides and fertilisers emit harmful chemicals in the atmosphere and contaminate it.

Factories and Industries

Factories and industries are the main source of carbon monoxide, organic compounds, hydrocarbons and chemicals. These are released into the air, degrading its quality.

Mining Activities

In the mining process, the minerals below the earth are extracted using large pieces of equipment. The dust and chemicals released during the process not only pollute the air, but also deteriorate the health of the workers and people living in the nearby areas.

Domestic Sources

The household cleaning products and paints contain toxic chemicals that are released in the air. The smell from the newly painted walls is the smell of the chemicals present in the paints. It not only pollutes the air but also affects breathing.

Effects of Air Pollution

The hazardous effects of air pollution on the environment include:

Air pollution has resulted in several respiratory disorders and heart diseases among humans. The cases of lung cancer have increased in the last few decades. Children living near polluted areas are more prone to pneumonia and asthma. Many people die every year due to the direct or indirect effects of air pollution.

Global Warming

Due to the emission of greenhouse gases, there is an imbalance in the gaseous composition of the air. This has led to an increase in the temperature of the earth. This increase in earth’s temperature is known as global warming . This has resulted in the melting of glaciers and an increase in sea levels. Many areas are submerged underwater.

The burning of fossil fuels releases harmful gases such as nitrogen oxides and sulphur oxides in the air. The water droplets combine with these pollutants, become acidic and fall as acid rain which damages human, animal and plant life.

Ozone Layer Depletion

The release of chlorofluorocarbons, halons, and hydrochlorofluorocarbons in the atmosphere is the major cause of depletion of the ozone layer. The depleting ozone layer does not prevent the harmful ultraviolet rays coming from the sun and causes skin diseases and eye problems among individuals. Also Read:  Ozone Layer Depletion

Effect on Animals

The air pollutants suspend in the water bodies and affect aquatic life. Pollution also compels the animals to leave their habitat and shift to a new place. This renders them stray and has also led to the extinction of a large number of animal species.

Following are the measures one should adopt, to control air pollution:

Avoid Using Vehicles

People should avoid using vehicles for shorter distances. Rather, they should prefer public modes of transport to travel from one place to another. This not only prevents pollution, but also conserves energy.

Energy Conservation

A large number of fossil fuels are burnt to generate electricity. Therefore, do not forget to switch off the electrical appliances when not in use. Thus, you can save the environment at the individual level. Use of energy-efficient devices such as CFLs also controls pollution to a greater level.

Use of Clean Energy Resources

The use of solar, wind and geothermal energies reduce air pollution at a larger level. Various countries, including India, have implemented the use of these resources as a step towards a cleaner environment.

Other air pollution control measures include:

• By minimising and reducing the use of fire and fire products.
• Since industrial emissions are one of the major causes of air pollution, the pollutants can be controlled or treated at the source itself to reduce its effects. For example, if the reactions of a certain raw material yield a pollutant, then the raw materials can be substituted with other less polluting materials.
• Fuel substitution is another way of controlling air pollution. In many parts of India, petrol and diesel are being replaced by CNG – Compressed Natural Gas fueled vehicles. These are mostly adopted by vehicles that aren’t fully operating with ideal emission engines.
• Although there are many practices in India, which focus on repairing the quality of air, most of them are either forgotten or not being enforced properly. There are still a lot of vehicles on roads which haven’t been tested for vehicle emissions.
• Another way of controlling air pollution caused by industries is to modify and maintain existing pieces of equipment so that the emission of pollutants is minimised.
• Sometimes controlling pollutants at the source is not possible. In that case, we can have process control equipment to control the pollution.
• A very effective way of controlling air pollution is by diluting the air pollutants.
• The last and the best way of reducing the ill effects of air pollution is tree plantation. Plants and trees reduce a large number of pollutants in the air. Ideally, planting trees in areas of high pollution levels will be extremely effective.

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Make Your Note

Addressing Urbanization Challenges for a Sustainable Future

• 06 Sep 2024
• 24 min read
• GS Paper - 1
• Urbanization
• Population and Associated Issues
• Poverty and Developmental Issues

This editorial is based on “ Making transit-oriented urban development work” which was published in Hindustan Times on 03/09/2024. This article highlights that the Transit-oriented development (TOD) is frequently discussed in Union budgets but struggles with implementation. Despite its promise of improving accessibility and reducing carbon emissions by concentrating urban development around transit hubs, TOD faces several challenges.

For Prelims: Urbanization , United Nations, 2011 Census, United Nations, Global Liveability Index , Slums And Unauthorized Colonies , Flood Management, Urban Planning, World Air Quality Report 2023 , Managing Solid Waste , Budget 2024-25 , AMRUT, Housing For All, Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS) , Municipal Bonds.

For Mains : Significance of Planned Urbanisation for Sustainable Development.

Urbanization is a dynamic and complex process involving the transition of populations from rural to urban areas , profoundly transforming land use, economic activities, and social structures.

This phenomenon, recognized by the United Nations as one of the key demographic trends alongside population growth, aging, and migration, entails more than just a shift in numbers. It includes the expansion of city boundaries, economic diversification, cultural changes, and the evolution of governance systems.

The 2011 Census recorded India's urbanization rate at 31.2% , an increase from 27.8% in 2001. By 2030, it is projected that approximately 590 million people will reside in urban areas. With rapid urbanization underway, it is crucial to analyze the growth trends and their impact on the population.

Urbanization manifests in various forms, including planned settlements designed by government agencies to foster sustainable development and unplanned settlements that emerge spontaneously, often resulting in informal and sometimes precarious living conditions. In India, urbanization is accelerating, with significant impacts on city infrastructure, economic output, and social dynamics.

Despite the promise of urban growth projected to drive a substantial portion of GDP and job creation by 2030, challenges such as inadequate infrastructure, transit issues, safety problems, environmental degradation, and socio-economic inequalities persist . Understanding urbanization’s multifaceted nature and addressing these challenges is crucial for fostering resilient and sustainable urban environments.

What is Urbanisation?

• It encompasses demographic transformation, spatial expansion of cities, economic diversification, cultural shifts, and evolving governance systems, resulting in increased urban population density and the development of built environments.
• The United Nations identifies urbanisation as one of four major demographic trends, alongside population growth, aging, and international migration.
• With the aim to create sustainable and livable environments, such plans take into account various factors, including physical, social, and economic considerations, to ensure organized development.
• These areas typically feature a mix of permanent, semi-permanent, and temporary structures and are commonly located near city drains, railway tracks, flood-prone areas, or on agricultural land and green belts.
• This ranking reflects that Indian cities have low scores in five key parameters: stability, healthcare, culture and environment, education, and infrastructure.
• The focus has shifted from large Tier 1 cities to medium-sized towns, driven by factors like employment, education, and security.
• According to the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), by 2030, urban areas are projected to contribute approximately 70% to the GDP, 85% of total tax revenue, and 70% of new jobs.
• Trade and Industry: The growth of trade and industry attracts labor, fosters infrastructure development, and creates access to markets and innovation hubs.
• Economic Opportunities: Cities offer a greater number of job opportunities compared to rural areas, hosting businesses, factories, and other institutions.
• Education: Urban areas generally provide superior educational facilities, including schools and universities, which draw people seeking to enhance their education and career prospects.
• Better Lifestyle: Cities offer improved services such as hospitals and libraries and provide a vibrant lifestyle with abundant social and cultural opportunities.
• Migrants often move to unplanned areas due to the high cost of living in more established urban regions, resulting in numerous informal settlements, such as slums and unauthorized colonies, that lack essential amenities like clean water and sanitation.

What are the Challenges Related to Urban Development?

• For instance, flooding events in Delhi (2024 & 2023), Nagpur (September 2023), Bengaluru and Ahmedabad (2022), Chennai (November 2021), and Hyderabad (2020 and 2021), revealed severe infrastructure shortcomings and highlighted the urgent need for better flood management and urban planning.
• This trend, evident in Gurugram’s expansion, often leads to socioeconomic divides, environmental strain, and challenges in maintaining balanced urban growth and sustainability.
• Coordination issues between transit and city planning agencies result in inefficiencies, while rigid planning practices and cultural resistance hinder TOD.
• For example, there is a lack of coordination between transit agencies (like the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation) and city planning authorities (like the Delhi Development Authority). This results in disputes over revenue-sharing and inefficient TOD implementation.
• Traffic Congestion and Mobility Challenges : Rapid urbanisation, lack of transit options and an increase in private vehicles have caused severe traffic congestion, extending commute times and reducing productivity.
• For instance, the World Air Quality Report 2023 reveals that nine of the ten most polluted cities globally are in India and with Delhi emerging as the world's most polluted capital city for the fourth consecutive time.
• For example, Delhi experienced an extreme heatwave in May 2024, pushing the city's power demand to over 8,000 megawatts.
• For instance, Delhi water crisis in 2024 and Chennai's water crisis in 2019, forced residents to rely on water tankers and desalination plants, and Bengaluru's recent water issues, underscore the severity of the problem.
• This situation strains infrastructure, exacerbates poverty, and hampers planned development, affecting overall livability and social cohesion.
• The Central Pollution Control Board reports that Indian cities generate approximately 62 million tons of municipal solid waste annually, with only about 20% being processed or treated adequately.

How TOD Promotes Sustainable Urban Development?

• By prioritizing public transit and walkable designs, TOD reduces the reliance on private vehicles, thereby easing traffic flow and shortening commutes. This shift not only enhances mobility but also minimizes the environmental impact associated with vehicular emissions.
• This approach promotes the efficient use of land, reduces environmental degradation, and fosters vibrant, sustainable communities.
• By creating neighborhoods where residential, commercial, and recreational spaces are in close proximity, TOD counters the spread of low-density, car-dependent developments.
• This design supports a high quality of life, allowing residents to easily access workplaces, amenities, and recreational areas . The focus on walkability and mixed-use development contributes to a more engaging and healthier urban environment.
• Economically, TOD boosts local businesses, reduces transportation costs, and attracts investment, enhancing overall economic competitiveness. T his integrated approach to urban planning supports long-term sustainable development goals.

Examples of Successful TOD Implementation

• Around 15 cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Jaipur and Chennai etc have operational metro systems, with many more under construction or planned in other urban centers.
• For example,in 2005, a government task force developed the Integrated Transport Plan for NCR 2032, identifying a need for a RRTS to connect major cities in the Delhi NCR. It prioritized three corridors : Delhi-Meerut, Delhi-Panipat, and Delhi-Alwar.
• Mumbai: Lower Parel i n Mumbai has evolved into a TOD hub with high-rise residential and commercial buildings around local train stations, reflecting increased integration of transit and urban spaces.
• Noida's cycle zones: It features dedicated tracks, cycle-sharing programs, and integrated urban design to promote sustainable transport. By separating bike lanes from traffic, offering rental options, and enhancing safety with signage, these initiatives aim to reduce pollution, improve public health, and support a greener, more pedestrian-friendly city.
• For example: London, UK – Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) aims to reduce air pollution by restricting access to high-emission vehicles. The zone promotes the use of electric and hybrid vehicles and integrates well with public transit, supporting TOD by enhancing the environmental quality and encouraging sustainable transportation.
• Authorities buy land development rights before rail construction, sell them post-construction at higher prices, and use the revenue to finance transit operations.
• This model generates substantial income from property, reduces urban sprawl and pollution, and enhances ridership through increased density.

What are the Steps Taken for Urban Development?

• Also, central assistance of Rs 2.2 lakh cror e for urban housing over the next five years as well as an interest subsidy scheme to facilitate loans at affordable rates for urban housing works, was announced in the budget.
• It focuses on areas like water supply, sanitation, waste management, urban mobility, and e-governance.
• It aims to improve the quality of life in these cities through better amenities and infrastructure.
• The program includes credit-linked subsidies and partnerships with private developers to increase affordable housing stock.
• It includes constructing individual and community toilets, and implementing modern waste management practices.
• It includes projects like public Wi-Fi hotspots, digital delivery of government services , and encouraging cashless transactions to create 'smart' urban ecosystems.
• Scheme for Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment 2022-23 (Rs. 6000 Cr): It focuses on urban planning reforms including Modernization of Building Bylaws, Adoption of Transferable Development Rights (TDR), Implementation of Local Area Plans (LAP) and Town Planning Schemes (TPS), Implementation of Transit-oriented Development (TOD), Creation of Sponge Cities, Removing Taxation for running the Buses for Public Transport.
• Scheme for Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment 2023-24 (Rs. 15000 Cr): It emphasizes enhancing urban planning through human resource augmentation, town planning schemes, modernization of building bylaws, in-situ slum rehabilitation, TOD, and strengthening urban ecosystems.
• Articles 243Q and 243W: Grant powers to local governments (municipalities) for urban planning and development within their regions.
• 74 th Constitutional Amendment Act, 1992: Granted constitutional status to urban local bodies and introduced Part IX-A to the Constitution.
• 12 th Schedule : Outlines the powers, authority, and responsibilities of municipalities.

What Other Measures can be Taken for Sustainable & Resilient Urban Development?

• This approach not only provides immediate financial resources but also supports long-term urban modernization and resilience.
• To maximize their impact, cities should enhance investor confidence through transparent processes and effective project management, ensuring that funds are used efficiently and lead to tangible benefits for residents.
• This means engaging diverse stakeholders and ensuring that development benefits all segments of society, fostering equitable growth and addressing disparities.
• For instance, Indore’s innovative waste management system utilizes smart bins and automated segregation to enhance efficiency.
• Similarly, integrating renewable energy technologies, such as solar power and wind turbines, can reduce cities' carbon footprints and enhance sustainability.
• This approach ensures that decisions are informed by accurate data, leading to more effective and efficient urban planning outcomes.
• This involvement helps align urban policies with community needs and priorities , enhancing the quality and responsiveness of urban services.
• Effective urban development requires a unified approach across agencies to address challenges and leverage resources efficiently.
• These initiatives aim to improve environmental resilience and sustainability within urban landscapes.
• Invest in robust cybersecurity measures to protect critical digital infrastructure from emerging threats.
• This will ensure that urbanization efforts are inclusive and address the diverse needs of urban populations.

Urbanization represents a critical juncture in global and national development, offering both opportunities and challenges. As cities grow and evolve, embracing comprehensive planning and reform is essential to ensure that urbanization contributes positively to economic prosperity and quality of life.

In India, initiatives like the Smart Cities Mission and AMRUT aim to address infrastructure deficits and enhance urban livability. However, effective implementation of transit-oriented development, better coordination among agencies, and modernization of planning practices are necessary to overcome obstacles. By focusing on sustainable growth, enhancing infrastructure, and improving governance, cities can harness the benefits of urbanization while mitigating its challenges, paving the way for a more inclusive and resilient urban future.

UPSC Civil Services Examination Previous Year Question (PYQ)

Q. With reference to the role of UN-Habitat in the United Nations programme working towards a better urban future, which of the statements is/are correct? (2017)

1. UN-Habitat has been mandated by the United Nations General Assembly to promote socially and environmentally sustainable towns and cities to provide adequate shelter for all.

2. Its partners are either governments or local urban authorities only.

3. UN-Habitat contributes to the overall objective of the United Nations system to reduce poverty and to promote access to safe drinking water and basic sanitation.

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

(a) 1, 2 and 3

(b) 1 and 3 only

(c) 2 and 3 only

Q . The frequency of urban floods due to high intensity rainfall is increasing over the years. Discussing the reasons for urban floods, highlight the mechanisms for preparedness to reduce the risk during such events. (2016)

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WB report on Curbing air pollution in India

Syllabus: Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact assessment

Source: TH  

Direction: The article attempts to demonstrate that air pollution is a regional problem that requires regional efforts to control.  

Context: According to a World Bank report, India has six large airsheds , some of them shared with Pakistan, between which air pollutants move .  

Background:

• Persistently hazardous levels of air pollution have caused public health crises in South Asia demanding urgent action.
• Using a modelling approach over South Asia as a whole, the WB report lays out multiple scenarios and costs involved in reducing the region’s exposure to particulate matter (PM).  

Highlights of the report:

• Currently, over 60% of South Asians are exposed to an a verage of 35 µg/m3 of PM2.5
• In some parts of the Indo-Gangetic Plain (IGP) it spiked to as much as 100 µg/m3 – nearly 20 times the upper limit of 5 µg/m3 recommended by the WHO.
• Airshed includes the entire area over which the pollutants disperse due to meteorological and geographical factors.
• For example, the region of the Indo-Gangetic plain may be considered as one airshed. The region extends from Rawalpindi in Pakistan to Rangpur in northern Bangladesh.

• When the wind direction was predominantly northwest to southeast, 30% of the air pollution in Indian Punjab came from the Punjab Province in Pakistan.
• This means that even if Delhi NCT were to fully implement all air pollution control measures, it wouldn’t keep pollution exposure below 35 µg/m3 .

Impact: According to the ICIMOD (International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development), PM pollution in the mountains will come down when the glaciers melt and then go into the oceans.  

Significance of the report: It highlights the interdependence in air quality within airsheds in South Asia, which is necessary for pollution control.

Policy measures and cooperation among countries to reduce air pollution:

• Airshed approach: Coordination between airsheds, would cut the average exposure of PM 2.5 and save more than 7,50,000 lives annually.
• Best practice: In ASEAN, Nordic regions and across China, air pollution is tackled in this way.

Indian efforts to curb air pollution

• The National Clean Air Campaign (NCAP) (2019) aims to reduce (40% over 2017 levels by 2025-26) air pollution in 131 of India’s most polluted cities.
• The government of India has set aside $1.7 billion to fight air pollution over the next five years, as per the recommendation of the 15th Finance Commission
• Parliament has approved to the establishment of the Commission of Air Quality Management in the National Capital Region and adjoining areas.
• The clean air action plan is implemented across the states with guidelines from WB.

Way ahead: Curbing air pollution requires not only tackling its specific sources, but also close coordination across local and national jurisdictional boundaries.

Conclusion: Regional cooperation can help implement cost-effective joint strategies that leverage the interdependent nature of air quality.

Related news: PIB

According to the IMF’s World Economic Outlook (WEO), 2022 , some of the major steps taken by India for reducing carbon emissions and moving towards SDGs

• Permitting FDI up to 100% under the automatic route for renewable energy projects
• Declaration of trajectory for Renewable Purchase Obligation (RPO) up to the year 2030
• Setting up of Ultra Mega Renewable Energy Parks
• Launch of Schemes such as PM-KUSUM, Solar Rooftop Phase II, etc.
• Adding capacity under the Green Energy Corridor Scheme for evacuation of renewable power.
• The Net Zero target by 2030 by Indian Railways alone will lead to a reduction of emissions by 60 million tonnes annually.
• Similarly, I ndia’s massive LED bulb campaign is reducing emissions by 40 million tonnes annually.

Insta Links:

Health as the focus of air pollution policy

Mains Links:

Q. What are the key features of the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) initiated by the Government of India? (UPSC 2020)

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