Air pollution in India | Mains Prep Booster
Millions of people die prematurely every year due to air pollution and it has health impacts like Respiratory and cardiovascular diseases are exacerbated by pollutants like SO₂, NOx, black carbon, and NH₃. Key Pollutants and Their Sources:-Sulphur Dioxide (SO₂): Causes acid rain, harming ecosystems and infrastructure. Source: Burning of coal in energy production. Nitrogen Oxides (NOx): Acutely toxic, inflaming the lungs. Sources: Transport (vehicle emissions). Electricity generation using coal and gas. -Black Carbon: Fine soot particles contributing to air and lung pollution. Sources: Biomass and charcoal burning for cooking, open waste burning. -Methane (CH₄) Greenhouse gas impacting climate change. Sources: Agriculture (livestock and rice paddies) and waste decomposition in landfills. -Ammonia (NH₃): Contributes to formation of particulate matter, driving premature deaths. Source: Agriculture (fertilizers, livestock waste). -Non-Methane Volatile Organic Compounds (NMVOCs): Toxic, contributing to ozone formation. Sources: Solvents from paints, cleaning products, and chemical industries. Broader Implications: -Socio-Economic Impact: Air pollution disproportionately affects low-income communities relying on biomass for cooking. Productivity and healthcare costs are heavily burdened. -Environmental Impact: Acid rain, smog formation, and climate change due to greenhouse gases and particulates. -Policy Challenges: Lack of strict regulation and enforcement for emissions. Inefficient waste management contributing to pollutants. Way Forward: Transition to clean energy sources like solar, wind, and hydropower. Invest in transport electrification to reduce NOx emissions. Promote sustainable agricultural practices and effective waste management systems. Encourage use of clean cooking alternatives(LPG, biogas) in low-income households. Enhance monitoring and regulation of industrial emissions.