• UGI USER
  • Oct 19, 2023
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Pollution in North India

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  • GS Paper 3 Conservation, Environmental Pollution and Degradation, Environmental Impact Assessment.
  • Tags: #GS3 #Pollution #EnvironmentalPollution #DelhiAirPollution #AirPollution #UPSC #GS3Environment.

North India, a region of immense historical, cultural, and economic significance, is grappling with an increasingly alarming issue—pollution. While it boasts a rich heritage and diverse landscapes, this part of the country is now known for its deteriorating air and water quality, posing severe threats to the health and well-being of its residents. Pollution in North India is a multifaceted problem, with air pollution, water contamination, and agricultural pollution standing out as major concerns.

Air Pollution in North India

  • North India is notorious for its noxious air quality, particularly during the winter months. The National Capital Region (NCR), which includes Delhi, is often ranked among the most polluted cities in the world.

Major Pollutants

The resultant high levels of particulate matter, including PM2.5 and PM10, have dire consequences for both the environment and public health.

Sources of Air Pollution

  • Vehicular Emissions: The ever-increasing number of vehicles on the road is a significant contributor to air pollution. Diesel and petrol engines emit harmful gases and particulate matter that add to the smog.
  • Industrial Activities: The presence of numerous industries and factories in North India leads to the release of industrial pollutants, including chemicals and fine particulate matter.
  • Agricultural Practices: The practice of stubble burning by farmers in nearby states contributes to the poor air quality in the region.
  • Note: Stubble burning releases pollutants like Carbon Monoxide, Carbondioxide, oxides of sulphur (SOx), Oxides of Nitrogen(NOx), Particulate Matter (PM), Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs),  Black Carbon including other pollutants.

Health and Environmental Consequences

The impact of high levels of air pollution on public health is a cause for concern.

  • The respiratory problems, allergies, and other health issues that affect residents, especially children and the elderly, are well-documented.
  • Additionally, pollution has far-reaching environmental consequences, including damage to vegetation, acid rain, and reduced visibility. 

Special Case of Delhi/NCR

According to the 2022 World Air Quality Report by IQAir, Delhi ranked 4th among 50 most polluted cities worldwide based on PM2.5 levels.

Major Factors Responsible

1.Vehicular Emissions

According to the CPCB, in The overall contribution of vehicular pollution in ambient air in Delhi is estimated to be around 20-25% in respect of PM10 and PM2. 5.

2.Industrial Activities

Industrial emissions from factories and manufacturing units also play a significant role. DPCC Annual Report 2019,indicates that industrial pollution contributed to approximately 18% of Delhi’s PM2.5 pollution in 2019.

3.Agricultural Practices

Stubble burning in neighboring states like Punjab, Haryana and Eastern U.P. releases harmful pollutants into the air. In October and November satellite data recorded a significant increase in stubble burning incidents in these regions.

4.Construction Activities

A study by the Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi, reported that construction activities contributed to 9.7% of PM2.5 levels in Delhi.

TERI in 2018 found that dust from roads, soil and construction was the largest contributor to PM10 levels in Delhi in summer, resulting in around 42 per cent of the concentration.

5.Dust and Sandstorms

Dust and sandstorms, often caused by natural factors, contribute to air pollution.

WHO Global Ambient Air Quality Database reported that in 2020, sandstorms were responsible for 13% of PM10 levels in Delhi .

6.Meteorological Conditions

Delhi’s meteorological conditions, such as

  • Temperature inversions.
  • Slow wind speed.
  • Landlocked region.

can trap pollutants closer to the ground. These conditions exacerbate pollution levels during the winter months.

Water Pollution

Water pollution in North India is another pressing issue. Rivers like the Yamuna and the Ganges, which hold immense cultural and spiritual significance, are severely polluted. The water quality in these rivers is so poor that it threatens aquatic life and makes it unsuitable for human use.

Sources of Water Pollution

  • Untreated Sewage: The discharge of untreated sewage into rivers is a significant source of water pollution. The outdated sewage treatment facilities and inadequate infrastructure in many areas exacerbate this problem.
  • Industrial Effluents: Industrial units located along the banks of rivers often release toxic chemicals and waste into the water bodies, contributing to contamination.
  • Agricultural Connection: The excessive use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides in farming leads to groundwater contamination, further deteriorating the quality of the region’s water resources.

Challenges and Obstacles

Addressing pollution in North India is no easy task, and several challenges and obstacles hinder progress. These include:

  1. Political Factors: Pollution often takes a back seat to other political priorities. Policymaking can be influenced by various interests, making it difficult to enact and enforce stringent environmental regulations.
  2. Lack of Awareness: Many residents are unaware of the extent of pollution and its consequences, which impedes the collective effort required for mitigation.
  3. Enforcement Issues: Even with adequate regulations in place, the enforcement of these rules can be lax, leading to continued violations.
  4. Interstate Coordination: Pollution in North India often transcends state boundaries. Effective control measures require cooperation and coordination among multiple states and authorities, which can be challenging to achieve.
  5. Lack of Infrastructure: Inadequate infrastructure for waste management, sewage treatment, and industrial pollution control remains a significant challenge.
  6. Agricultural Practices: Stubble burning is complicated by the need for alternative, sustainable farming methods. Farmer livelihoods and food security are intertwined with these practices, making change difficult.

Health Impacts

The health impacts of pollution in North India are a growing concern.

  • Respiratory problems.
  • Cardiovascular diseases
  • Allergies
  • And even premature deaths are associated with exposure to polluted air.

Vulnerable populations, such as children and the elderly, are at a higher risk of suffering from pollution-related health issues. Moreover, long-term exposure to polluted air can have severe, lasting effects on the health of individuals.

Initiatives to Tackle Pollution

The government has recognized the gravity of the situation and undertaken several initiatives to combat pollution in North India.

These include measures like the:

  • Great Green Wall of Aravalli.
  • The Swachh Bharat Abhiyan (Clean India Campaign).
  • Subsidizing Turbo Happy Seeder(THS) to tackle stubble burning.
  • Namami Gange.
  • Introduction of BS-VI vehicles to reduce emission.
  • CPCB developed National AQI( NAQI) for tracking major pollutants.
  • Promotion of EVs and supporting Infrastructure.

Special Initiatives for NCR

  • Graded Responsibility Action Plan(GRAP).
  • Odd-Even scheme in Delhi.
  • EV busses for public transport.
  • Subsidies on EVs.
  • Installation of Smoke Towers.
  • Environment Pollution Control Authority (EPCA) was constituted with the objective of ‘protecting and improving’ the quality of the environment.

Pollution in North India is a multifaceted challenge that demands immediate attention and collective action. While the region’s natural and cultural riches are undeniable, the degradation of the environment threatens not only the health of its people but also its economic and cultural vitality. Efforts to combat pollution should involve a combination of government policies, technological innovations, public awareness, and responsible citizenship. Only through a unified and sustained effort can North India regain its purity and safeguard its future.

Source: WHO, UNEP, UN. 

Mains Question

North India is facing a multifaceted pollution crisis. Discuss the major causes of pollution in North India, along with their health and environmental consequences. What are the innovative solutions and government initiatives that can play a role in mitigating the crisis?