Smart Cities, dustier roads ?

Shamurailatpam Deepa Devi *

Imphal City as seen in February 2011

The National Smart Cities Mission is an urban renewal and reconditioning program initiated by the Government of India with the goal of developing Smart Cities in over 100 locations. This mission is overseen by the Union Ministry of Urban Develop- ment, in collaboration with State Governments.

Launched on June 25, 2015 by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, the mission initially had a five-year duration, with the completion goal set for 2020. However, it has been extended due to various challenges and the broad scope of the projects involved. The objectives of the National Smart Cities Mission are to promote cities that provide core infrastructure, decent quality of life for citizens, a clean and sustainable environment, and the applica- tion of 'smart' solutions.

From 2015 to 2024, the total investment under the Smart Cities Mission by the Government of India, along with contributions from State Governments, urban local bodies, and private partnerships, amounts to approximately Rs 164,687 crore (Rs 1.64 lakh crore).

Although there have been significant achievements in terms of core infrastructure in various cities, a major issue remains largely neglected. Road dust, which is a pressing problem, continues to plague cities, particularly during the winter months.

This issue is not only prevalent in metropolitan cities but also poses a serious concern in smaller cities and towns across the country. While smoke and vehicle emissions are well-known contributors to air pollution, road dust is often overlooked, despite its significant role in worsening air quality.

A recent publication by India Today on November 27, 2024, highlights a study conducted by IIT Kanpur. The study emphasizes the peak pollution months in Delhi, suggesting measures like limiting outdoor activities and adjusting travel plans to reduce public health risks from PM2.5.

The situation in Delhi, where air pollution continues to rise, is critical, as particulate matter, particularly PM2.5, severely affects air quality. This rise in pollution has led to an increase in respiratory diseases, making it a serious public health concern.

PM2.5 refers to particulate matter that is 2.5 micrometers or smaller in diameter, and it can only be detected with a microscope. These tiny particles pose a significant threat to human health, as they can penetrate deep into the lungs and even enter the bloodstream. PM2.5 is a key indicator of air quality and is used to monitor pollution levels in cities.

Road dust, when carried by wind, spread like a fog, worsening air quality during peak pollution seasons. Researchers from IIT have recommended several steps to mitigate the impact of pollution on public health, particularly during the smog season from October to January.

These recommendations include limiting outdoor activities for vulnerable groups such as children and the elderly to specific times of the day, using N95 masks during outings, and shifting physical exercise indoors. These steps aim to reduce exposure to harmful particulate matter and lessen the strain on public infrastructure during the most polluted months.

However, Delhi is not the only city dealing with road dust and poor air quality. Mumbai, which is considered the economic capital of India, also experiences worsening air quality each year. According to a report by the Free Press Journal on January 2, 2024, Mumbai's citizens are unable to track the Air Quality Index (AQI) as the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) server has been down since December 31, 2024.

The absence of live AQI data, especially during times when air quality is at its worst, has left residents struggling to breathe clean air. Other cities, including Pune, Jaipur, Gurgaon, and Bhopal, also suffer from high levels of air pollution and road dust.

The impact of road dust on health can be categorized into short-term and long-term effects. In the short term, dust particles, particularly PM10 and PM2.5, irritate the respiratory system. Individuals may experience symptoms such as coughing, sneezing, and discomfort in the throat. Those with pre-existing respiratory conditions, such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), may find their symptoms worsened by exposure to dust.

Dust can also irritate the eyes, causing redness, watering, and itching. Prolonged exposure to dusty environments can lead to skin irritation and allergic reactions.

Long-term exposure to road dust can result in more severe health problems. Conditions such as bronchitis, asthma, and chronic lung infections can develop over time. Fine particulate matter, like PM2.5, can penetrate deep into the lungs, leading to inflammation and reduced lung function. Dust particles can even enter the bloodstream, increasing the risk of heart disease, hypertension, and stroke.

Prolonged exposure to road dust and other pollutants can weaken the immune system, making individuals more susceptible to infections. Children are particularly vulnerable, with studies linking exposure to fine particulate matter to developmental issues and impaired cognitive function. Additionally, long-term exposure to dust carrying toxic particles, such as heavy metals and vehicle exhaust residues, may increase the risk of lung cancer.

Apart from the direct health impacts, road dust also affects daily life. Dust clouds can significantly impair visibility, making it difficult to drive or even walk safely. Dust settles on surfaces like vehicles, clothes, and homes, leading to an increase in cleaning and maintenance efforts.

Dusty roads can also create slippery surfaces, increasing the risk of accidents. Over time, dust accumulation can damage machinery, electronics, and building exteriors. Poor air quality resulting from road dust can reduce energy levels and focus, which in turn affects productivity and daily activities.

In cities like Imphal, which is in the early stages of urbanization, road dust remains a significant issue. While metropolitan cities have been dealing with air pollution for years, Imphal is now facing the consequences of rapid urbanization, especially during the dry winter and pre-monsoon season from October to April.

During this time, roads in the city become increasingly dusty as loose soil is carried by winds and vehicles. The soil in Manipur is often fine and loose, making it easy for dust to become airborne, particularly along unpaved or poorly maintained roads.

In some areas, road repairs have been neglected, and the roadside dust has become a persistent issue. The construction and development work that has been delayed due to the ongoing conflict in Manipur has only exacerbated the problem.

Dust accumulation in Imphal is particularly noticeable in the valley areas, where traffic density is higher, and urbanization is more pronounced. As the city continues to grow, it is essential to address the problem of road dust to ensure a better quality of life for residents.

The objective of the Smart Cities Mission, “a clean and sustainable environment and the application of 'Smart' Solutions”, must be reconsidered in light of this pressing issue. Has India truly achieved this goal ? Road dust should be a priority, as it directly harms human health.

One method that can help mitigate the issue of road dust is the spraying of water on roads. Spraying water on roads, especially during dry weather, helps to suppress dust particles from becoming airborne. It can be an effective measure for reducing the spread of dust, particularly on construction sites or in areas where road maintenance is inadequate.

Maintaining greener spaces along roadsides and constructing better, fully paved roads that do not leave dust on either side can also help minimize dust generation.

With time, the Government must take proactive steps to prevent further deterioration of air quality. This could include repairing roads, adopting advanced technologies to improve air quality, limiting the use of polluting fuels, promoting eco-friendly public transport systems, and planting trees along roadsides to absorb CO2.

Road dust must be tackled more seriously to protect public health and ensure a cleaner and healthier environment for all citizens.