Murky skies, polluted air, and strained breathing - India's bustling cities have long been plagued with air pollution, but recent studies show that the problem is escalating. In fact, the air quality has spiraled deep into dangerous territory, far exceeding the World Health Organization’s safety limit by more than 10 times.

A contributor to this rising pollution is dust, which has also reached unprecedented levels in recent months - making headlines all over India. Cities like Mumbai and Delhi are facing the brunt of this crisis.

Causes of Dust Pollution

Construction of buildings, roads, and other infrastructure generates a significant amount of dust, which is then carried into the air by the wind. Furthermore, open dumping of construction waste exacerbates the issue. Other factors that contribute to this pollution include industrial activity, vehicular traffic, and burning of agricultural waste. We are already aware of how burning of agricultural waste in Northern India had brought citizens of cities like Delhi to their knees with respiratory problems during the winter months. Nonetheless, unplanned construction remains a significant contributor to the dust pollution crisis.

Impacts on Human Health and Environment

The effects of dust pollution on human health and the environment are well-documented. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), exposure to air pollution can cause respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, cancer, and even premature death. Apart from the adverse impact on human health, dust pollution also affects the environment. It damages crops and vegetation, harms wildlife, and contributes to climate change.

A report by the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) showed that Mumbai's air quality index (AQI) is often in the "poor" or "very poor" categories, with PM 2.5 levels averaging over 60 µg/m³. This level is nearly three times the safe limit of 25 µg/m³ as per the Indian National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS). Moreover, air pollution caused over 1.67 million premature deaths in India in 2019, making it the world's largest contributor to premature deaths, according to the State of Global Air 2020 report.

Potential Solutions

The problem of dust pollution in India requires a multi-faceted approach. Some potential solutions include implementing sustainable construction practices, such as reducing waste and using green building materials, which can significantly reduce the amount of dust generated during construction activities. Dust control measures, such as covering construction sites, using water to suppress dust, and proper disposal of construction waste, can also significantly reduce dust pollution. Public awareness and education about the effects of dust pollution on human health and the environment can encourage people to act and reduce their contribution to the problem.

The industry, which employs one of the largest numbers of people in the country, on its part, needs to self-regulate and incorporate best practices to ensure that citizens’ quality of life is not impacted. Overall, marrying sustainable growth along with development of the industry would ensure they fulfill their broader role of providing greater public welfare.

The writer, a 12th Grade student, is passionate about the environment and sustainability and writes occasionally on issues around climate change.