Air pollution problem in Indian cities

Dr. Satyawan Saurabh *

Pollution problems are very common in Indian cities. According to research, air in about 60 percent of Indian cities is seven times more polluted than the acceptable limit. Developing nations like India, where urbanization is ongoing, are suffering from increasing air pollution problems due to a lack of services such as adequate transport management, suitable roads, and unplanned distribution of industries.

Congested roads in cities reduce the average speed of vehicles, resulting in higher vehicle emissions, which increases the level of air pollution unplanned urbanization, combined with industrialization and population growth, is posing a threat to human health by increasing the level of air pollution, causing many health problems. Additionally, complex and intense human activities in these urban areas are aggravating the problem by increasing the emission of pollutants.

21 out of the 30 cities with the worst air pollution in the world are in India. The capital New Delhi has the worst air quality among capital cities around the world. The concentration of particulate matter (PM 2.5) in New Delhi is nearly 10 times higher than the World Health Organization guidelines.

The heavy pollution in these cities is also seriously affecting the health of the people living here, making them sicker with each passing day. In terms of life expectancy, pollution in Indian cities is a major threat to people's health, taking away an average of 5.3 years of life from every Indian.

The relationship between the problem of air pollution in Indian cities rests on the idea of sustainable preservation and the use of urban heritage for economic development. By focusing on environmental protection through sustainable practices, cities can simultaneously address air pollution.

For example, adaptive reuse of historic buildings can reduce the need for new construction, thereby reducing dust and related air pollutants. In addition, promoting local economic development in historic urban areas can shift economic activity away from pollution-intensive industries towards more sustainable practices such as tourism.

Developing nations like India, where urbanization continues, are suffering from increasing air pollution problems due to a lack of services such as adequate transport management, suitable roads, and unplanned distribution of industries.

Congested roads in cities reduce the average speed of vehicles, resulting in higher vehicle emissions, which increases the level of air pollution unplanned urbanization, combined with industrialization and population growth, is posing a threat to human health by increasing the level of air pollution, causing many health problems.

Additionally, complex and intense human activities in these urban areas are aggravating the problem by increasing the emission of pollutants. Efforts to tackle pollution and smog are often limited to urban areas. To prevent them, measures such as promoting public transport or controlling pollution from industries and construction sites are focused on.

At the same time, rural sources are usually ignored in these measures. This is the reason why in this study, the researchers have suggested efforts at the regional level to deal with the problem of pollution.

Encouraging the conservation of privately owned historic buildings can reduce urban sprawl that contributes to air pollution while maintaining the existing urban landscape. Policies for sustainable urbanization are imperative to tackle air pollution.

Financial instruments such as microcredit and loans can be made available in greater quantities to support small businesses and artisans in Indian cities, which will encourage a shift away from polluting activities. In addition, financial incentives for the use of clean technologies can be implemented at both national and municipal levels.

Environmental policies should integrate urban planning with heritage conservation, as highlighted by successful cases such as the ancient city of Ping Yao in China. Managing urban sprawl through such integrated policies can directly impact air pollution reduction.

Encouraging the adaptive reuse of historic buildings for social housing or SMEs can contribute to reducing construction-related air pollution that is prominent in Indian urban centers. Pursuing financial policies to support local economic development within historic urban areas can reduce dependence on heavy industries and promote less polluting sectors such as cultural enterprises and sustainable tourism.

The use of advanced technologies such as satellite data along with geospatial techniques can be very helpful in monitoring and mapping the spatio-temporal distribution patterns of air pollution and climate change and the associated health impacts.

Therefore, while focusing on building smart cities in developing countries like India, proper urban planning and sustainable measures should be taken for a sustainable urban environment to avoid adverse health impacts.

Policy coherence and coordination between the national and local levels are crucial to ensure that innovative strategies for financing urban heritage conservation are effectively implemented, thereby indirectly impacting air quality by promoting sustainable development.

A holistic approach to urban development is needed that integrates the conservation of our historic urban heritage with innovative financial instruments to promote sustainable livelihoods. Indian cities can learn from international best practices and adopt policies that combine conservation efforts with economic incentives to foster an urban environment that not only preserves its past but also secures a healthier, less polluted future for its citizens.

As urban India stands at the crossroads of heritage conservation and the need for sustainable development, innovative financing mechanisms, and policies are required that will enable its cities to transform into resilient, inclusive, and pollution-free habitats for all.