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Dirty Air could be a Blow to India’s $5 Trillion Dreams
Relevance: GS – 3 – Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization, of resources, growth, development and employment; Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact assessment.
Why in the News?
- India aims to achieve a $5 trillion economy and become the world’s third-largest economy in the next five years.
- Achieving this ambitious goal depends on overcoming various challenges, including public health concerns.
- Air pollution, particularly in Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR), has become a pressing issue and a potential obstacle to economic aspirations.
- The deteriorating air quality poses significant risks to the health of India’s population, directly impacting productivity and development.
Health and Economic Impacts of Toxic Air
Global Health Burden:
- Air pollution is linked to one in eight deaths worldwide, as per The State of the Global Air 2024.
- It ranks as the second leading risk factor for death, contributing to1 million global fatalities annually.
Disease Burden (2019 WHO Estimates):
- 68% of outdoor air pollution-related premature deaths were due to ischaemic heart disease and stroke.
- 14% were attributed to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
- 14% resulted from acute lower respiratory infections.
- 4% were caused by lung cancers.
Challenging the “Price of Growth” Narrative
- Prevailing Argument: Some believe that deteriorating air quality is an inevitable consequence of India’s rapid economic growth.
- Contrary Evidence: A 2021 report highlights that the traditional view of air pollution as an unavoidable by-product of economic growth limits proactive responses.
- Existing literature often links GDP per capita and growth rates to emission levels, reinforcing the notion that economic progress and environmental health are inherently conflicting.
- Perception of Environmental Regulations:
- Businesses often see environmental regulations as a financial burden that impedes growth.
- This entrenched perception disregards the possibility of sustainable growth aligning with improved air quality.
Economic Costs of Air Pollution
Annual Business Loss:
- Air pollution costs Indian businesses ₹7 lakh crores (approximately $95 billion) annually.
- This figure is equivalent to 3% of India’s GDP.
- Comparison with Pandemic Costs: The economic impact of air pollution is 40% of the cost incurred to tackle the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Source: The data comes from a report commissioned by the Clean Air Fund in collaboration with Dalberg Advisors, Blue Sky Analytics, and the Confederation of Indian Industry.
- Key Insight: Despite its high and persistent nature, the economic burden of air pollution has largely gone unnoticed.
Business Impacts of Air Pollution
Six Key Cost Areas:
- Air pollution impacts the economy through lower labour productivity, lower consumer footfall, premature mortality, lower asset productivity, increased health expenses, and welfare losses.
- Direct business impacts arise from employee productivity, consumer footfall, and premature mortality.
Lost Workdays:
- In 2019, air pollution caused 3 billion working days to be lost, costing India $6 billion due to absenteeism.
Employee Absenteeism:
- Employees often fall ill or stay home to care for vulnerable family members, including children and the elderly.
Regional Disparities:
- 98% of the costs are borne by northern and eastern India, where AQI levels frequently exceed 300.
Competitive Disadvantage:
- An Indian IT firm in Delhi loses 33% of its competitive edge compared to a Filipino counterpart due to air pollution.
Social and Workforce Implications of Air Pollution
Impact on Businesses:
- In areas like South Delhi’s Govindpuri, businesses are witnessing a decline in customers as people avoid stepping out due to poor air quality.
- A cloth store owner reported a sharp drop in footfall, highlighting the immediate economic impact on retail businesses.
Temporary Privileged Solutions:
- Options like work-from-home, stay-at-home measures, and air purifiers are accessible only to the relatively affluent.
- The majority of Indians, especially those in outdoor and manual labor, cannot afford such luxuries and face greater exposure to polluted air.
Rising Health Vulnerability:
- As India’s median age increases, the population’s susceptibility to air pollution-related illnesses will also grow.
- This trend could result in a sub-optimal workforce, with declining health and productivity affecting long-term economic growth.
Broader Air Pollution Crisis in Northern India
Beyond Delhi:
- While Delhi often garners attention, towns across northern India face severe air pollution.
- Recently, Bahadurgarh in Haryana recorded the worst air quality in the region.
- Year-Round Issue: In Delhi, air pollution is not limited to the winter season; it persists throughout the year due to various factors.
Sources of Pollution:
Vehicular Emissions:
- Account for 40% of Delhi’s air pollution, with diesel vehicles being a major contributor.
Industrial Emissions:
- Surrounding areas like Ghaziabad, Noida, and Faridabad host industries releasing pollutants such as sulphur dioxide (SO2).
Crop Stubble Burning:
- The burning of rice stubble in Haryana and Punjab exacerbates the pollution crisis, particularly in winter months.
Inadequate Control Measures:
- Efforts to regulate emissions and curb pollution remain insufficient, aggravating the problem further.
Public Apathy and Political Challenges
Public Apathy:
- Despite the ongoing air pollution crisis, many people continue to contribute to the problem, such as by burning firecrackers, which add to the already toxic air.
- There is limited enforcement of regulations by the police, even in the face of Supreme Court directives.
Political Inaction:
- Clean air remains a low priority in the political agenda, as it is not seen as a top electoral issue.
- Politicians are unwilling to take tough measures against influential groups that contribute to air pollution, knowing there will be little political fallout.
Lessons from Beijing’s Transformation
Beijing’s Progress:
- A decade ago, Delhi and Beijing competed for the worst air quality, both facing severe health and economic impacts.
- Beijing has made significant progress in improving its air quality, mainly due to its transport policies and stricter emissions standards.
Key Measures in Beijing:
- Transport Policy: Highly polluting vehicles were banned, and sustainable public transport was prioritized.
- Tighter Emissions Standards: Beijing tightened vehicle and power plant emissions standards and coordinated pollution control measures with surrounding regions.
- Collaborative Approach: The Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region adopted a cluster-based approach with unified standards, joint emergency responses, and information sharing, leading to marked improvements.
Recommendations for India
Mass Transport and Active Mobility:
- India must promote public transportation, walking, and cycling to reduce reliance on private vehicles.
- This requires significant infrastructure investments such as more buses, better pavements, and safer walking environments.
- Women, in particular, should feel safe using public transportation without fear of harassment.
Policy and Enforcement:
- Adoption of clean fuels, enforcement of open waste burning bans, and strict adherence to emission norms for industries are essential.
- Road dust management and more green spaces would also contribute to improved air quality and urban livability.
Regional Approach to Air Quality:
- No city can tackle air pollution alone. India needs a regional, collaborative approach, involving cooperation across states, cities, and even borders.
- Experts, scientists, public health advocates, and political leaders must collaborate to develop a unified strategy.
Avoid Political Polarization:
- Air pollution should not be framed as a political battle between the ruling BJP and the opposition. Instead, a cooperative approach is needed.
- Air pollution is a public health emergency and must be treated as a top priority, transcending political divides. Failure to act will undermine India’s aspirations for economic growth and quality of life.
Associate articles
https://universalinstitutions.com/delhis-21-point-winter-plan-to-combat-air-pollution/
Mains question
Discuss the economic, health, and social impacts of air pollution in India. Suggest a comprehensive, region-based approach to tackle the issue, drawing lessons from international experiences. (250 Words)
