Air Pollution Sources in India: A Sectoral Breakdown

Why in the News ?

A new data-driven analysis from Our World in Data highlights the major contributors to India’s air pollution, linking emissions to sector-specific activities like energy, transport, agriculture, and domestic use. It underscores pollution’s health impacts and ecological damage.

About the Major Pollutants and Sectoral Sources:

  • Sulphur Dioxide (SO₂): 
    • Energy production, especially coal-based electricity, is the largest source (7.59 million tonnes).
    • Industry and buildings are the next biggest contributors.
  • Nitrogen Oxides (NOₓ): 
    • Transport sector is the top emitter, followed closely by energy production.
    • Also released from industries and agriculture.
  • Black Carbon (soot): 
    • Majorly from biomass burning, charcoal use, and open waste burning, especially in low-income settings.
    • Significant contributions from buildings and transport.

Impact and Way Forward

  • India reported 1.05 million deaths in 2021 due to household air pollution alone.
  • Mitigation requires a shift to low-carbon energy, clean cooking, and reduced solvent use in daily products.
  • Tackling all major pollutants is essential for healthier ecosystems and climate action.

About the Greenhouse Gases and Secondary Pollutants:

●Methane (CH₄):
○ Agriculture is the largest contributor, followed by waste.
○Formed by decomposition in anaerobic conditions like landfills.

● Ammonia (NH₃):
○Emitted largely from agriculture, especially synthetic fertilizers and manure.
○Can cause up to 3.85 lakh premature deaths via particulate matter formation.

● Non-Methane VOCs:
○  Emitted by solvents, cleaning products, and industrial chemicals.
○Also contributed by transport, buildings, and energy use.