Cost of Environmental Degradation in India
Extent of the Problem
- According to a World Bank report, environmental degradation costs India about ₹375 trillion annually, or approximately 5.7% of its GDP (2009 figures). Outdoor air pollution is the largest contributor, accounting for around 1.7% of GDP loss, followed by indoor air pollution at about 1.3%.
Impact on Health and Society
- The report, Diagnostic Assessment of Select Environmental Challenges in India, highlights that air pollution—both outdoor and indoor—disproportionately affects the young and economically productive urban population. Exposure to particulate matter significantly contributes to cardiopulmonary diseases and chronic respiratory ailments among adults.
- Water supply, sanitation, and hygiene inadequacies result in a high disease burden, particularly among children under five, with about 23% of child mortality attributed to environmental degradation. Losses also stem from declining agricultural productivity due to soil salinity, erosion, waterlogging, rangeland degradation, deforestation, and natural disasters. Environmental degradation worsens poverty and increases social vulnerability.
Need for Sustainable Development
The report warns that the approach of prioritizing economic growth now and addressing environmental damage later is unsustainable in the long run. Instead, policies must integrate environmental protection with development goals.
Government Measures to Control Air Pollution
The Indian government has taken several steps to reduce air pollution and mitigate environmental damage. These include:
- Formulating a Comprehensive Policy for Abatement of Pollution.
- Supplying improved auto fuels and tightening emission norms for vehicles and industries.
- Mandating environmental clearances for specified industries.
- Managing municipal, hazardous, and biomedical wastes.
- Promoting cleaner technologies and upgrading efficiency standards.
- Strengthening air quality monitoring networks and assessing pollution loads.
- Conducting source apportionment studies and preparing action plans for polluted cities and areas.
- Enhancing public awareness about pollution control.