India's Battle with Air Pollution: Challenges and Warnings Persist

Despite a 7% decline in PM2.5 levels, India remains the world's fifth most polluted country—six of the ten most polluted cities are in India. Persistent pollution challenges, largely driven by stubble burning and vehicular emissions, demand urgent policy and enforcement improvements to overcome this public health crisis.

India has witnessed a 7% decrease in PM2.5 levels in 2024, yet it remains the fifth most polluted nation globally. Notably, six of the world's top ten most polluted cities are in India, according to the IQAir 2024 World Air Quality Report. The country's annual PM2.5 average diminished to 50.6 ug/m3 from 54.4 ug/m3 in the previous year.

New Delhi continues to struggle with severe pollution, recording an annual PM2.5 average of 91.6 ug/m3 in 2024, similar to the 92.7 ug/m3 in 2023. Northern states experienced extreme pollution episodes, with Baddi in Himachal Pradesh noting a January average PM2.5 level of 165 ug/m3.

Pollution in Manipur worsened in October, and Delhi, Punjab, Chandigarh, Haryana, and Himachal Pradesh faced severe pollution in November, mainly due to stubble burning, contributing 60% to PM2.5 levels. The report underscores that air pollution poses a significant health risk, reducing life expectancy by about 5.2 years. Major pollution sources include vehicular emissions, industrial discharges, construction dust, and agricultural practices, particularly crop burning in Punjab and Haryana.

Despite government initiatives like the National Clean Air Programme, inconsistent policy enforcement and inadequate infrastructure remain issues. In October 2024, the Supreme Court reinforced clean air as a fundamental right, mandating stricter measures in several states. However, it criticized Delhi's inadequate implementation of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP).

The IQAir report highlights air pollution as a critical environmental health threat, with 99% of people globally in areas not meeting WHO standards. The United Nations emphasizes clean air as a universal right, urging more potent policies and enforcement to address the crisis affecting millions.

(With inputs from agencies.)