South Asian cities need action on air pollution before next winter

A post from the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) on February 28, 2024 on X (formerly known as Twitter) read, “In view of significant and sustained improvement in overall air quality of Delhi over the past few days, CAQM withdraws Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) from entire Delhi-National Capital Region (NCR) with immediate effect.”

GRAP is an air pollution control framework or plan designed to be implemented in Delhi-NCR during the winter season to combat air pollution. Implemented by the CAQM in collaboration with the Union ministry of environment, forest and climate change (MoEFCC), its four stages have targeted actions to be taken by necessary authorities and agencies. 

In Stage I (poor air quality, with Air Quality Index or AQI in the rage 201-300), there is strict enforcement of regulations on overaged diesel and petrol vehicles, while in Stage IV (severe air quality – AQI > 450) there is stringent entry of vehicles from outside Delhi and could also involve potential closure of education institutions and non-essential businesses. 

While the plan’s dynamic nature allows it to adapt to changing pollution levels, the citizens have felt that these measures in the last quarter of every year are knee-jerk reactions to alarming AQI levels. They only end up with authorities harassing citizens and tend to breed corruption. Citizens also feel that with AQI levels still above 150 in several places, some measures need to be kept up on a regular basis. 

It's now common knowledge that air pollution is not just a threat, it’s a silent killer that takes a severe toll on the health and well-being of citizens in South Asian cities. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), nine out of 10 people worldwide breathe polluted air. 

Polluted air is also the fourth-leading risk factor for premature death globally — 6.7 million deaths occur every year from exposure to ambient and household air pollution. Almost all (99 per cent) of the world’s population lives in places where air pollution levels exceed WHO guideline limits, which puts them at increased risk to diseases including heart disease, stroke, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, cancer and pneumonia. 

Air pollution levels, as indicated by AQI, often exceed the WHO’s guidelines, with cities like Delhi, Karachi and Dhaka ranking among the most polluted cities in the world. This index considers major air pollutants such as particulate matter (PM) 2.5 and 10, ozone, nitrogen dioxide, sulphur dioxide and carbon monoxide. 

In cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Karachi and Dhaka, AQI levels often reach “very unhealthy” or “hazardous” levels, posing significant health risks to residents. The situation is particularly severe during the winter months, when weather conditions exacerbate pollution levels. 

With rapid urbanisation, industrialisation and inadequate regulatory measures, the region is grappling with alarming levels of air pollution that are significantly reducing the life expectancy of its citizens. This dismal picture underscores the urgent need for action to improve air quality and protect public health. 

Comprehensive strategies are urgently needed to address air pollution, including stricter emission standards, promoting sustainable transportation and enhancing green spaces. Regional collaboration is essential to tackle this shared challenge and ensure a healthier future for all residents in South Asia.

Health impacts

Air pollution is a major contributor to respiratory diseases, cardiovascular problems, and premature mortality in South Asian cities and children, the elderly and those with pre-existing health conditions are particularly vulnerable.

Studies have shown that prolonged exposure to high levels of air pollution can reduce life expectancy. In South Asian cities, where air pollution levels often exceed safe limits, citizens are facing increased risks of developing chronic illnesses and other health complications that can shorten their lifespan. Urgent action is needed to mitigate these risks and improve the quality of life for millions of people.

Need for regional collaboration

Air pollution knows no borders, and regional collaboration is essential to effectively address this issue. South Asian countries need to come together to develop coordinated strategies and initiatives that can reduce air pollution levels across the region. This includes implementing stringent emission standards, promoting the use of cleaner fuels, and investing in sustainable urban planning practices.

This includes implementing stringent emission standards, promoting the use of cleaner fuels, and investing in sustainable urban planning practices.

While most South Asian nations are aware of the need to tackle air pollution and are implementing some measures, tackling pollution in the region requires innovative approaches due to the unique challenges faced by these urban areas. 

Policymakers could consider the 10 recommendations for their cities:

1. Stringent Emission Standards: Implement and enforce stringent emission standards for vehicles, industries, and power plants to reduce air pollution levels. 
2. Air quality monitoring: Deploying real-time air quality monitoring systems can help identify pollution hotspots and guide targeted interventions to improve air quality.
3. Urban greening: Increase the number of green spaces in cities to improve air quality and reduce the urban heat island effect. Implementing green infrastructure such as green roofs, urban forests, and green walls can help absorb pollutants, reduce heat island effects, and improve air quality.
4. Green buildings: Encouraging the construction of green buildings that are energy-efficient and use environmentally friendly materials can reduce energy consumption and pollution.
5. Investment in public transport: Invest in public transportation systems and infrastructure to reduce the number of private vehicles on the road and promote sustainable transportation options. Encouraging the use of public transportation through improved infrastructure, affordable fares, and reliable services can reduce the number of vehicles on the road, thus decreasing air pollution.
6. Promotion of clean energy: Promote the use of clean and renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind power, to reduce reliance on fossil fuels. Promoting the adoption of electric vehicles through incentives, subsidies, and charging infrastructure can help reduce emissions from traditional vehicles.
7. Effective waste management practices: Implementing innovative waste management practices that include promotion of reuse and reduce, along with recycling, composting, and waste-to-energy technologies can reduce the amount of waste sent to landfills, which can emit harmful pollutants.
8. Urban spaces for cycling and walking: Creating safe and accessible infrastructure for cycling and walking can encourage people to choose these modes of transportation over cars, reducing pollution and promoting physical activity.
9. Public awareness, education and community engagement: Raise public awareness about the health impacts of air pollution and the importance of taking action to reduce emissions. Engaging communities through education, awareness campaigns, and citizen science projects can raise awareness about pollution and empower individuals to take action.
10. Policy and regulation: Implementing and enforcing strict pollution control laws and regulations can help reduce emissions from industries, vehicles and other sources. 

Despite the need for an action plan for immediate and long-term sustained efforts, air pollution often fades from policymakers’ priorities after the winter season. Come spring, and the poor visibility, the dismal AQI in South Asia’s premier cities all seem a distant foggy dream. 

However, the threat remains grave to public health in South Asia’s cities with far-reaching impacts on life expectancy and quality of life. As air pollution is not confined to city boundaries, collaboration between cities, states and countries is essential to address transboundary pollution effectively. 

By implementing stringent measures, raising public awareness, and promoting regional collaboration, South Asian countries can work together to address this pressing issue and create a healthier environment for future generations. 

Purnima Joshi is a communications consultant with Climate Action Network South Asia (CANSA) and a member of Warrior Moms based in Pune.  

Views expressed are the author’s own and don’t necessarily reflect those of Down To Earth

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