India’s Air Pollution Crisis: The Broader Impact Beyond Delhi

Imran Ahmed Ali, a lawyer residing in the northern Indian city of Chandigarh, described his experience, stating, “When I stepped out of my house, it felt like I was inhaling smoke.” For over a month, Chandigarh, recognized as India’s inaugural planned city and situated approximately 240km (150 miles) from the capital Delhi, has experienced pollution levels exceeding 15 times the safe threshold advised by the World Health Organization (WHO). While a decline in air quality is a regular occurrence in the city during winter, Mr. Ali indicated that he had not previously experienced such severe illness. Several weeks prior, the 31-year-old started suffering from a dry cough and breathlessness, initially attributing these to a common seasonal cold. However, with falling temperatures, his chest congestion intensified, prompting him to seek medical attention. He recounted, “After running several tests, the doctor told me that my symptoms were caused by pollution. I’m now taking medicine twice a day to manage my breathing.” Mr. Ali represents one of the hundreds of millions of individuals residing in northern India who are compelled to inhale hazardous, contaminated air for prolonged durations each winter. Data from the Swiss company IQAir revealed that last year, eight out of the ten most polluted global cities were situated within the Indo-Gangetic plains, a heavily populated area spanning northern and eastern India, as well as portions of Pakistan and Nepal. A recent publication from the Energy Policy Institute at the University of Chicago confirmed that the northern plains, which encompass Bihar, Chandigarh, Delhi, Haryana, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, and West Bengal, and are inhabited by 540.7 million people, constitute India’s most polluted territory. The report further indicated that, against WHO benchmarks, current air pollution levels in this area could diminish residents’ life expectancy by 5.4 years. Nevertheless, despite the annual onset of hazardous smog each winter, media coverage and public focus predominantly center on Delhi. Parthaa Bosu, a strategic adviser at the Environmental Defense Fund, a non-profit organization dedicated to climate solutions, explained that Delhi garners considerable attention owing to its status as India’s capital. Annually, the Delhi government enacts an action plan, incorporating measures like vehicle movement limitations and prohibitions on construction work during periods of heightened pollution. While these efforts face criticism for being insufficient, the majority of other locations in northern India have not adopted comparable proactive measures. Mr. Bosu observed that individuals frequently fail to link other areas of northern India, especially rural communities and smaller urban centers, with elevated pollution levels. He asserted, “In [people’s] minds, villages are clean, green and pristine – but that’s far from the reality.” The pollution affecting the region stems not from a singular cause, but from a confluence of factors, including construction operations, vehicle exhaust, industrial contaminants, and the seasonal practice of burning crop stubble. Although numerous such factors persist year-round, the distinguishing element during the winter months, spanning October to January, is the prevailing weather. Mahesh Palawat, vice president of meteorology and climate change at the weather forecasting firm Skymet, explained that air quality deteriorates every winter as cold, still air confines pollutants close to the surface, impeding their dispersal. The landlocked topography of the Indo-Gangetic Plain exacerbates this predicament. The area is encircled by mountains and experiences insufficient strong winds, which typically aid in clearing polluted air. Medical professionals and health specialists issue warnings regarding the hazards associated with inhaling these airborne contaminants. Dr. Rajesh Gupta, director of the pulmonary department at Fortis Hospital in Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh state, noted, “Patients complain of a burning sensation in their eyes and throat when they step outside. Some face difficulty in breathing.” Dr. Gupta further stated that even otherwise healthy individuals experience respiratory issues during this season, with children and the elderly being particularly susceptible. These severe conditions also impose psychological burdens. Aditi Garg, employed in Meerut town, approximately 100km from Delhi, previously valued her peaceful morning moments spent on her balcony. This daily routine has now been entirely interrupted. Since mid-October, Meerut’s pollution levels have consistently been categorized as “poor” or “severe,” rendering breathing challenging. Ms. Garg currently spends almost all her time indoors, near her air purifier, attempting to protect herself from the hazardous outdoor air. She remarked, “I don’t have an option but to stay inside, this is the best I can do.” Furthermore, not everyone possesses the luxury of remaining indoors. In Uttar Pradesh alone, over 83 million individuals are officially recorded as workers in the unorganized sector, with the true figure likely being considerably greater. This demographic includes daily wage earners, street vendors, and farm laborers who must work outside, thereby jeopardizing their well-being. Mohammad Salim Siddiqui, an automobile spare parts vendor and his family’s sole provider, was observed struggling for breath while speaking outside his modest dwelling in Kanpur city, Uttar Pradesh. As an automobile spare parts vendor and the primary earner for his household, Mr. Siddiqui must confront the pollution daily. Mr. Siddiqui stated, “Two members of my family are struggling with respiratory problems because of the pollution,” further noting that conditions are especially severe in densely populated slums. He concluded, “We need help.” Throughout the years, certain state governments have undertaken initiatives to address the issue of pollution. In 2019, India introduced the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP), targeting a 20-30% reduction in particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5, microscopic particles capable of entering the lungs and causing illnesses) levels by 2026, relative to 2017 figures. This objective was subsequently revised to achieve up to a 40% reduction in PM10 levels by 2026. As part of this initiative, 131 Indian cities, many of which are located in the Indo-Gangetic Plains, were tasked with formulating customized strategies to tackle specific local pollution origins. Although the program has contributed to increased awareness and goal setting, experts contend that more robust actions and enhanced collaboration between local and state administrations are essential for achieving tangible improvements. Mr. Bosu identified the absence of communication as the primary impediment to significant progress. Both Ms. Garg and Mr. Ali corroborated this sentiment, noting a distinct lack of discussion regarding the hazardous air quality in their respective cities. Mr. Ali commented, “People have unfortunately accepted this as a part of their lives.” He added, “It’s a discussion they have every year when pollution is at its peak, and then conveniently forget about – until next time.”