Impact of Air Pollution and NCAP’s Effectiveness

Source: The post Impact of Air Pollution and NCAP’s Effectiveness has been created, based on the article “After a health emergency, toxic air foretells an economic one” published in “The Hindu” on 25th November 2024

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 3-environment-pollution

Context: The article discusses the severe impact of air pollution on health in India, highlighting increased deaths and chronic diseases due to poor air quality. It criticizes the inadequate response of the National Clean Air Programme and calls for stronger, health-focused actions and policies.

For detailed information on India’s severe air pollution crisis read this article here

What is the impact of air pollution on health in India?

1. Lung Damage: Doctors observed that human lungs, naturally pink at birth, turn black with pollution. Teenagers’ lungs now resemble those of lifelong smokers, showing the deep impact of polluted air.
2. Premature Deaths: Nearly 2 million lives were lost in 2021 due to pollution-related diseases. Air pollution is India’s leading environmental cause of premature deaths.
3. Chronic Respiratory Issues: Exposure to air pollution causes lifelong respiratory problems, including asthma and impaired lung development in children. This diminishes health and quality of life over a lifetime.
4. Non-Communicable Diseases: Poor air quality is linked to hypertension, diabetes, and strokes. Early exposure to pollutants predisposes people to chronic illnesses.
5. Inequality in Impact: Low-income communities living near pollution sources face the worst effects. They lack resources to shield themselves from pollution, deepening the health crisis.
6. Economic Costs: Pollution increases hospitalizations and healthcare expenses, adding financial burdens on families. It also reduces productivity by causing missed work and school days.

For detailed information on Air Pollution and Mortality in Indian Cities read this article here

Is the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) effective?

1. Goal and Targets: The NCAP, launched in 2019, initially aimed to reduce particulate matter pollution by 20-30% by 2024. This target was revised to a 40% reduction by 2026.
2. Lack of Effective Implementation: Experts criticize NCAP for its weak implementation. It is seen as a policy of intent with limited on-ground impact.
3. Monitoring vs. Emission Reduction: Some experts point out that NCAP focuses on monitoring pollutants but lacks strong efforts to reduce emissions.
4. Challenges with Uniform Policy: Experts suggest that a one-size-fits-all approach does not work. Regional strategies targeting specific sources like stubble burning or industrial emissions are needed.
5. Structural Challenges: Economist highlights that NCAP is ineffective without reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
6. Public Health Link: Experts urge integrating public health into pollution control, making it a central focus of the NCAP.

For detailed information on What challenges does the NCAP face read this article here

What Should be Done?

1. Stronger NCAP Implementation: Move beyond monitoring to strict enforcement, focusing on health outcomes. Tailor strategies regionally, targeting specific sources like stubble burning and industrial emissions.
2. Health-Centric Policies: Link air pollution to public health crises. Recognize pollution as a cause of death certificates.
3. Community Involvement: Encourage local actions like limiting waste-burning and idling vehicles near schools, as campaigns like “My Solution to Pollution” suggest.
4. Unified Regulatory Body: Establish a central agency to regulate air quality effectively.

Question for practice:

Discuss the effectiveness of the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) in addressing the health and environmental impacts of air pollution in India.