India’s air pollution crisis has reached alarming levels, with 74 of the world’s 100 most polluted cities located within its borders. Delhi, the nation’s capital, has held the title of world’s most polluted capital for six consecutive years. In November, the city’s air quality index (AQI) skyrocketed to 795, nearly eight times the level considered “unsafe.” Some areas even reported AQI levels exceeding 1,185.
A Growing Health Crisis
The health impacts are staggering. Air pollution claims 2.1 million lives annually in India, including 169,400 children under five – the highest number globally. Delhi’s hospitals are filled with patients struggling to breathe, like four-month-old Anvi, who was rushed to the ICU with chest pain. PM2.5, tiny particles 30 times smaller than human hair, can penetrate deep into lungs, affecting hearts, brains, and even unborn babies.
Neelam Kheor, a neonatal consultant at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, notes that PM2.5 can pass from mother to fetus, resulting in underweight babies with underdeveloped lungs. The “State of Global Air 2020” report reveals that over 116,000 Indian infants died within their first 27 days in 2019 due to air pollution.
Economic Toll
The economic burden is equally severe. Air pollution costs India an estimated $95 billion annually, about 3% of its GDP, through premature deaths and lost productivity. Despite efforts like the 1981 Air Pollution Control Act and the 2019 National Clean Air Programme, results remain elusive.
A giant air purifier installed in Delhi in 2021, costing $2.4 million, reduced pollution by only 17% within a 100-meter radius. Experts argue that while controlling larger PM10 particles helps, the more harmful PM2.5 remains largely unaddressed. The current city-by-city approach is proving inadequate, with experts advocating for a regional air quality management strategy.
A Complex Problem
Delhi’s geography compounds its air pollution woes. Surrounded by the Himalayas, the city traps polluted air, especially during winter when cooler air near the ground prevents pollutants from dispersing. The capital’s numerous industrial plants, construction sites, waste burning, and nearly eight million vehicles – many old and highly polluting – contribute to its toxic air.
- 74 Indian cities among the world’s 100 most polluted
- Delhi’s AQI reaches dangerous levels, especially in winter
- Air pollution claims 2.1 million lives annually in India
The crisis demands a comprehensive approach. Without significant changes, India’s air pollution problem will continue to claim lives and hinder economic growth. The solution lies in a coordinated national effort, going beyond individual actions to address the deep-rooted structural issues driving this environmental disaster.