Air pollution in India has become a chronic problem in recent decades. More than 2 million people in India die due to respiratory diseases caused by air pollution every year. The central government and several state governments have gotten into quick action mode to combat this chronic problem.

However, before discussing the methods to reduce air pollution, it is important to understand its causes and effects.

Causes of Air Pollution

Many factors are responsible for the rising levels of air pollution in urban and rural India. Here are some significant causes of air pollution:

  • Industrial waste disposal without treatment.
  • Emissions from vehicles plying on the road.
  • Vehicle owners using adulterated fuel.
  • Dust particles.
  • Burning of wood as fuel in rural regions.
  • Burning of agriculture waste (stuble burning).

Effects of Air Pollution

Air pollution is very harmful to humans, animals, wildlife, and the economy. Every year, India witnesses a large number of deaths that occur due to respiratory diseases. The number of premature deaths is also increasing at an alarming rate. When pregnant women inhale harmful emissions for a long period, the chances of giving birth to a child with deformities increase. Child mortality rates also rise in areas with higher levels of pollution.

 Here are some of the effects of air pollution:

Health Effects

  • Irritation of eyes, nose, and throat.
  • Breathing difficulties.
  • Respiratory disorders.
  • Worsening of asthma and similar disorders.
  • Vulnerability to chronic illnesses such as heart attack and blood pressure.
  • Risk of respiratory cancer.
  • Lower immunity levels in individuals.

 Environmental Effects

  • Depletion of the ozone layer.
  • Damage to crops.
  • Damage to forests.
  • Loss of wildlife.
  • Global warming and climate change.
  • Rising temperature across the globe.

Steps Taken By Government to Manage Air Pollution

  • The central government passed an ordinance in November 2020 in the area of Delhi NCR, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab and Haryana where any person flouting the laid pollution norms would be liable to be punished by a jail term of up to 5 years and a fine or both.
  • Several states including Delhi have banned the usage of firecrackers in an attempt to control air pollution. 
  • Various metro cities have installed air-purifying towers in areas that are heavily polluted and busy. 
  • Delhi government implemented an odd-even scheme where vehicles with odd numbers could ply on days with odd dates and even-numbered vehicles could ply on even dates. 
  • Haryana state government has also installed custom hiring centres (CTCs) to manage stubble waste and avoid burning it. 

Stubble Burning

Stubble burning is a way in which farmers from across India burn the agricultural waste instead of decomposing it naturally. The burning of stubble is a cause of major air pollution during winters in the northern parts of India and specifically in the national capital Delhi. As discussed above state and central governments are respectively implementing various schemes to reduce stubble burning. 

Air Purifying Towers

 Air purifying towers are big tower units installed in areas with a high concentration of pollution. These towers are capable of cleaning the air within a radius of 1 km. In recent years various metro cities have installed air-purifying towers. The towers work on electricity. In September 2021 highest air-purifying tower was installed in Chandigarh city, it was inaugurated on the day of International Day of clean Air for blue skies. 

Effective Ways to Reduce Air Pollution

There are ways in which individuals, organisations and corporations can come together with the government to reduce air pollution in India. The central government, the Ministry of Environment, and respective state governments have taken several initiatives to effectively manage and reduce air pollution in India. The central government aims to make India less dependent on fossil fuels by 2030 to reduce its carbon footprint and air pollution.

Here are 10 ways to reduce air pollution:

  1. Avoid burning wood as fuel in rural regions.
  2. Using recent BS-6 type fuel in vehicles instead of adulterated and mixed fuel.
  3. Avoid using vehicles for short distances.
  4. Using public transport whenever possible.
  5. Avoid bursting firecrackers.
  6. Treat gaseous waste before releasing it into the environment.
  7. Conserve electricity.
  8. Recycle and reuse materials as much as possible.
  9. Compost agricultural waste instead of burning it.
  10. Plant more trees around the house and elsewhere.

Conclusion

With more clarity on the causes and effects of air pollution and a better understanding of how to reduce it, it is time to take necessary measures and protect the world. Air pollution can be easily managed with simple lifestyle changes. If controlled fast, it will improve everyone’s quality of life.