India's Air Quality Improves with 19.3% Drop in Pollution

India's Air Quality Improves with 19.3% Drop in Pollution

Significant Improvement in India’s Air Quality:

In a noteworthy environmental achievement, India recorded a 19.3% decrease in particulate pollution in 2022 compared to 2021, according to the "Air Quality Life Index" 2024 report by the Energy Policy Institute at the University of Chicago (EPIC). This reduction is the second-highest globally, following Bangladesh, and has added an average of 51 days to the life expectancy of every Indian citizen.

Key Findings of the Report:

  • Life Expectancy Impact:
    • Despite the reduction, the report warns that Indians could still lose 3.6 years of life expectancy if the country fails to meet the World Health Organization's (WHO) annual PM2.5 concentration standard of 5 micrograms per cubic metre.
  • Regional Declines:
    • The most significant drops in PM2.5 concentrations were observed in West Bengal’s Purulia and Bankura districts, and in Jharkhand’s Dhanbad, Purbi, Paschim Singhbhum, Paschim Medinipur, and Bokaro districts. Each of these regions saw a reduction of over 20 micrograms per cubic metre.
    • Northern plains, India’s most polluted region, saw a 17.2% reduction in particulate levels in 2022 compared to the previous year.
  • Impact of National Clean Air Programme (NCAP):
    • Districts covered by India’s NCAP saw a 19% average decline in PM2.5 levels, while districts not included in the program saw a 16% decline.
    • If India meets the NCAP target, residents in non-attainment areas could see their life expectancy increase by two years compared to 2017 levels.

Factors Contributing to the Decline:

  • Meteorological Conditions:
    • The decline in particulate pollution levels was primarily due to favourable weather conditions and a reduced number of thermal inversions, which typically trap pollution close to the ground.
  • Innovative Policies:
    • The report highlights the success of Gujarat's market for particulate pollution, which reduced pollution by 20-30% in Surat and is expanding to other regions.
    • India’s clean cooking initiative, Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana, also contributed to a significant decline in emissions from the residential sector.
  • Transport Sector Improvements:
    • Reduced use of diesel in transportation played a critical role in decreasing transport-related emissions.

Challenges and Future Steps:

  • Need for Stricter Standards:
    • The report emphasizes that India's national air quality standards still fall short of adequately protecting public health and should be revised to align with WHO guidelines.
  • Political Will and Implementation:
    • While India has the tools and technologies to combat air pollution, the report stresses the need for strong political will to implement these solutions effectively.

Conclusion:

India's significant reduction in particulate pollution is a promising step towards improving public health and life expectancy. However, continued efforts and stricter standards are essential to achieving sustainable air quality improvements and protecting the health of the nation's citizens.