How Indian Government Policies Contribute to Air Pollution: A Critical Review
India’s air pollution crisis, particularly in the Indo-Gangetic Plain, is exacerbated by policy missteps and systemic issues. A significant factor is the 2009 groundwater preservation policy, which delayed rice paddy sowing to preserve water. This inadvertently shifted post-harvest stubble burning into the post-monsoon season, worsening smog in northern cities like Delhi due to unfavorable meteorological conditions.
Research also highlights the role of solid fuel combustion in Delhi, accounting for 80% of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Other major contributors include vehicular emissions, industrial pollution, and construction dust. Policy gaps, such as the lack of affordable alternatives for crop residue management and insufficient enforcement of air quality regulations, aggravate the crisis.
Experts recommend a multifaceted approach: expanding LPG access to reduce solid fuel usage, accelerating the transition to electric vehicles, promoting sustainable agricultural practices, and enforcing cleaner industrial technologies. The data underscores the urgency for reforms to curb India’s air pollution apocalypse and mitigate its health and environmental impacts.
Sources:
- IIT-Kanpur and IIT-Delhi studies
- Recommendations from the National Clean Air Programme steering committee
- Climate Trends research.