Lack of collective effort, government action responsible for failure to tackle growing air, water pollution

By Vikas Meshram* 

Despite the continuously deteriorating air quality in the country, air pollution has not become a major topic of national discussion. It is unfortunate that this crucial public health issue neither finds a place in the election manifestos of political parties nor is it addressed sensitively by policymakers. There is also a lack of sufficient public awareness, which prevents citizens from holding their representatives accountable for implementing effective air pollution control policies.

A recent study has revealed a shocking fact that the incidence of lung cancer is rising rapidly among non-smokers in Southeast Asia. According to a new study, the primary cause behind this increase is air pollution. A report published in The Lancet Respiratory Medicine Journal states that in 2022 alone, approximately 2.5 million people were diagnosed with this disease. While the prevalence is higher among men, cases among women are also increasing unexpectedly.

Similarly, a study conducted by the World Health Organization’s (WHO) International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) and other institutions has found that ‘adenocarcinoma’ is a significant factor contributing to lung cancer. This type of cancer originates from glands that produce mucus and digestive juices. In 2022, adenocarcinoma accounted for 53% to 70% of lung cancer cases among non-smokers worldwide. The irony is that while smoking rates are declining globally, lung cancer cases among non-smokers are rising. This disease is now the fifth leading cause of cancer-related deaths.

There is a lack of collective efforts and governmental action to tackle the growing crisis of air pollution. According to the State of Global Air 2024 report, around 8.1 million people worldwide died due to air pollution. In India alone, air pollution-related diseases are estimated to cause around 2.1 million deaths. Cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and the National Capital Region (NCR) frequently experience severe air pollution levels. The Supreme Court has even referred to Delhi as a "gas chamber." However, authorities take only temporary measures when pollution reaches alarming levels, leading to a continuous rise in fine particulate matter (PM 2.5) levels. The government often blames farmers for stubble burning while evading responsibility.

A recent study has shown that local factors are the primary cause of pollution in Delhi and NCR during October-November. A research project under Japan’s "Akas Project" concluded that stubble burning contributes only 14% to the overall PM 2.5 pollution levels. This study, published in NPJ Climate and Atmospheric Science, analyzed pollution data from September to November 2022 and 2023 using 30 sensors installed across Punjab, Haryana, and Delhi-NCR. However, some effectiveness of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) measures was observed.

Ultimately, promoting social change and strictly monitoring local pollution sources is crucial for ensuring clean air. Responsible policies, public awareness, and strict administrative enforcement are essential to controlling rising air pollution. Similarly, contaminated groundwater has become one of the world's most pressing issues, causing millions of deaths. The rapid depletion and degradation of groundwater quality are the primary reasons behind this crisis. A lack of access to clean drinking water could lead to severe consequences.

Global research studies indicate that the presence of radioactive substances and heavy metals in groundwater is increasing, posing a severe threat to human life. A study by the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology found that groundwater in 156 countries, including India, Algeria, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Italy, Spain, Mexico, the USA, Tunisia, and Iran, contains high levels of sulfates. As a result, around 17 million people suffer from gastrointestinal diseases.

According to the study, approximately 194 million people worldwide are exposed to water containing over 250 mg of sulfate per liter. The WHO has also acknowledged this issue. The report states that 17 million people globally consume water with over 500 mg of sulfate per liter, with 82% of them residing in ten countries, including India, the USA, Mexico, and Spain.

Researchers believe that sulfate-contaminated water is harmful not only to health but also to the environment. Sulfates cause corrosion in iron pipes used for water supply. Additionally, they contribute to the depletion of essential nutrients like phosphorus, which negatively impacts the environment. Climate change and urbanization have led to increased sulfate levels in groundwater, affecting global water quality.

In India, most of the population depends on groundwater for drinking purposes. The growing population is the main cause of the water crisis, making access to clean drinking water a major challenge for the government. Since 1960, water demand has doubled, and it is expected to rise by 25% by 2050.

India is the world's largest consumer of groundwater. Consequently, groundwater reserves in northern Gangetic regions are depleting rapidly. Several cities, including Delhi, are now classified as "dark zones" for groundwater availability. Punjab, in particular, faces a severe crisis, as 94% of its population relies on groundwater for drinking purposes. Increasing groundwater contamination has led to life-threatening diseases among residents.

Insufficient rainfall forces excessive groundwater extraction for irrigation, leading to higher demand and declining quality. This results in increased levels of heavy metals and radioactive substances in groundwater. Currently, groundwater scarcity is not limited to the foothills of the Himalayas and the Gangetic plains but is a nationwide issue.

The presence of arsenic, nitrate, sodium, uranium, and fluoride in groundwater makes it hazardous not only for drinking but also for agriculture. A study found that 12.5% of groundwater samples from Andhra Pradesh, Rajasthan, Punjab, Haryana, Gujarat, and Uttar Pradesh contained excessive sodium levels, making them unsuitable for irrigation.

In 440 districts across India, rising nitrate levels in groundwater have led to severe health issues. According to the Central Ground Water Board (CGWB), groundwater contamination is primarily caused by nitrogen-based fertilizers and improper disposal of animal waste. The report states that 9.04% of water samples contained fluoride levels exceeding safe limits, while 3.55% had excessive arsenic content.

This pollution poses a significant threat to both the environment and public health, increasing the risk of cancer, kidney diseases, bone disorders, skin ailments, and other severe illnesses. Groundwater pollution is also life-threatening for newborns. High nitrate levels in drinking water cause "blue baby syndrome," reducing hemoglobin levels in infants and leading to oxygen deficiency.

Given the ongoing decline in groundwater quality and the looming water crisis, it is imperative to implement immediate and effective measures to ensure water purity.

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*Journalist