Cataclysmic cycle

Recent flash floods across India and other regions worldwide underscore the accelerating impacts of climate change, which are increasingly linked to human-driven environmental degradation such as deforestation, pollution, and uncontrolled urbanization. These events highlight that natural disasters are no longer solely “natural,” as human actions have exacerbated their frequency and severity. One glaring aspect of this environmental crisis is the widespread air pollution plaguing major cities. Indian metropolitan areas, including New Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Chennai, consistently report dangerous levels of air pollution. This issue was particularly evident in New Delhi, where the air quality remained in the “very poor” category the day after Diwali, with an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 362, according to SAFAR-India data. Despite this year’s Diwali AQI being worse than the past two years, Delhi’s post-Diwali air quality showed slight improvement due to favourable meteorological conditions such as strong winds and warmer temperatures, which helped disperse pollutants more quickly. However, the problem is not confined to Delhi alone. In Mumbai, a dense layer of smog enveloped Marine Drive as air quality deteriorated further, marking another urgent reminder of India’s escalating pollution crisis. The country ranked seventh on the list of nations most affected by climate change in 2019, contributing 7% of global emissions while housing 17% of the world’s population. This statistic underscores the outsized environmental impact of India’s industrial activities, urbanization, and vehicular emissions. In addition to industrial emissions, a variety of factors contribute to India’s air quality issues. For instance, the widespread practice of adulterating fuel with lower-priced alternatives results in increased emissions of harmful pollutants, worsening urban air quality. Traffic congestion in urban areas has further intensified pollution, with slow-moving vehicles producing higher emissions during prolonged wait times and stop-and-go traffic. Moreover, the use of fuelwood and biomass for cooking and heating is prevalent across rural and some urban areas, resulting in a near-constant haze that is visible even in satellite images. This traditional reliance on biomass fuels is a significant contributor to India’s air pollution levels and a factor in the rising number of respiratory illnesses. According to the Health Effects Institute, over a million Indians die prematurely each year due to air pollution, with two million children in Delhi alone suffering from compromised lung function. To address these challenges, India has launched several initiatives aimed at improving air quality and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The National Clean Air Programme (NCAP), launched by the Indian government, sets clear targets for air quality improvement in 132 “non-attainment” cities—cities where pollution levels exceed permissible limits. The NCAP provides a structured framework for cities to develop air quality management plans, addressing pollution through cross-sector policies. India is also pushing forward with renewable energy projects. Notably, Delhi Metro now sources 60% of its daytime energy from solar power, specifically from the 750 MW Rewa Solar Project in Madhya Pradesh. This shift not only reduces reliance on coal but also yields substantial cost savings—over $170 million in energy expenses are expected to be saved in the coming 25 years. Through initiatives such as promoting electric vehicles, expanding renewable energy, and providing cleaner cooking fuel options, India is actively pursuing strategies to mitigate the health and environmental impacts of air pollution and there is little time to spare as environmental degradation threatens the pursuit of economic vision of $5 trillion economy.