Toxic levels of air pollution are wreaking havoc in South Asia, affecting millions and prompting drastic measures. Schools are being forced to close, sporting events are disrupted, and governments are urging citizens to stay indoors to avoid health problems. This annual crisis is exacerbated as winter sets in, trapping pollution in a thick layer of smog.
South Asia has now emerged as the global hotspot for air pollution, with recent studies identifying four of the world’s most polluted countries and nine of the 10 most polluted cities in the region. The question arises: why does South Asia experience worse pollution than other places?
The answer lies in the region’s rapid industrialization, economic development, and population growth over the past two decades. The increased demand for energy and fossil fuels has led to a surge in pollution sources. While industries and vehicles are common contributors worldwide, South Asia faces unique challenges, including solid fuel combustion for cooking and heating, human cremation, and the burning of agricultural waste.
A startling statistic reveals that about 38% of the pollution in New Delhi this year is attributed to stubble burning in the neighboring states of Punjab and Haryana. As the region undergoes significant development, the number of vehicles on the roads in countries like India and Pakistan has quadrupled since the early 2000s.
Despite efforts to address the crisis, South Asian countries are struggling to curb pollution effectively. Plans for air quality management, increased pollution monitoring, and a shift to cleaner fuels have not yielded significant results. One major hurdle is the lack of coordination among countries in their pollution control efforts.
Dust particles, a significant contributor to air pollution, can travel hundreds of kilometers, crossing national borders and affecting countries beyond their origin. For instance, approximately 30% of the pollution in Bangladesh’s largest cities originates in India, transported by the wind from northwest to southeast. This transboundary impact underscores the limitations of country-wide or city-wide measures to combat toxic air.
To resolve the pollution crisis, South Asian countries must coordinate efforts on a regional level. Collaboration is crucial for enhancing monitoring capabilities and making informed policy decisions. However, solutions need to be balanced, considering both region-wide efforts and localized measures tailored to specific conditions. Sectors like agriculture and waste management, which have received limited attention, should be brought into focus.
Addressing specific challenges, such as stubble burning, requires innovative approaches. Governments can consider offering subsidies on better harvesting machines to discourage the harmful practice. While some countries have initiated such incentives, barriers like high purchase costs and lengthy waiting times for machine rentals hinder broader adoption.
In conclusion, the urgent need to tackle the severe air pollution crisis in South Asia requires a coordinated regional approach. Governments must collaborate, enhance monitoring capabilities, and implement targeted measures to curb pollution at its source. The well-being of millions is at stake, and effective action is essential to safeguard public health and the environment.
