Control auto emissions to fight air pollution
The World Health Organisation's 2014 report on Ambient Air Pollution, monitoring outdoor pollution in almost 1,600 cities in 91 countries, which has put Delhi at the top of the list, has expectedly grabbed headlines. It has fuelled comparisons with Beijing where smog and face-masks are far more common than in Delhi. Indeed, Beijing has long been shamed for its deplorable air quality and this is a criticism that has also been used as a disparaging comment on China's reckless growth model. With Delhi now ostensibly taking over Beijing's place, there has understandably been much heartburn in India. Some have pointed out that the data from the Chinese capital is flawed, and that monsoons and summers are definitely better in Delhi than Beijing. Even if that is the case, there is still no looking away from the fact that Delhi air is rather toxic. Also, let not the Delhi versus Beijing debate overshadow the fact that there are 12 other Indian cities on the WHO's global Top 20 most polluted list including the relatively smaller metropolises of Patna, Raipur and Gwalior. Therefore, it is hoped that despite the Government's strong push-back to the claim that Indian cities are some of the world’s most polluted, the authorities will consider the WHO report and implement a comprehensive policy to battle air pollution. The report is only the latest in a series of warnings on how this country is effectively breathing in poison. last year, the Global Burden of Disease study showed that outdoor air pollution is the fifth largest killer in India after blood air pressure, indoor air pollution, tobacco smoking, and poor nutrition.
One of the most important steps in fighting air pollution is containing and monitoring auto emissions. Especially since the country is motorising at an alarming pace, it is imperative that the Government set stringent standards for vehicle and fuel quality. The powerful automobile lobby can be expected to resist these efforts but the state cannot afford to buckle under pressure. Already, India is trailing behind much of the developed world in emission standards — Bharat Stage IV, enforced in only a few cities, is almost a decade behind Europe, while Bharat Stage III, applicable in the rest of the country, is 14 years too old. Policymakers also need to consider how the same high standards of emission control can be implemented nationwide. All citizens have the right to equally clean air. Yes, it is true that as a populous, developing country, India has its limitations; but there is still a lot that it can do — not necessarily to catch up with the West but for the sake of its own health and well-being.