South Asia, home to some of the world’s most populous cities, faces an escalating public health crisis due to deteriorating air quality. With rapid urbanization, inadequate infrastructure, and a heavy reliance on fossil fuel-based transportation, cities like Delhi, Dhaka, Karachi, and Kathmandu consistently rank among the most polluted in the world.
Also, South Asia is home to the largest ice cover region, For example, the Himalayas, after the North Pole and the South Pole, which plays an important role in regulating the transport of the pollution and moisture in this monsoon region.
The Air Quality Crisis
Air pollution has become a major environmental concern across South Asia, with particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10) and nitrogen oxides (NOx) being the primary pollutants. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), air quality in these cities frequently exceeds recommended levels by several fold, causing severe health repercussions for millions of residents.
Transportation, particularly the reliance on diesel-powered vehicles and outdated public transit systems, plays a central role in exacerbating the problem. In cities like Delhi, vehicular emissions contribute to nearly 40% of total air pollution. In the absence of stringent regulations and sustainable infrastructure, the situation continues to worsen.
Transportation Emissions
In South Asia, private vehicles, public buses, and commercial trucks are often outdated and inefficient, contributing heavily to transportation emissions. The rapid increase in vehicle ownership, coupled with poorly regulated fuel standards, adds to the burden. For example, two-wheelers, the most common form of transport in cities like Kathmandu and Dhaka, are often responsible for disproportionately high emissions due to their lack of catalytic converters.
Moreover, the reliance on fossil fuels such as diesel in public transportation systems is a significant concern. Diesel engines emit large amounts of nitrogen dioxide and particulate matter, both of which contribute to smog formation and respiratory illnesses. In cities like Karachi, where public transport is scarce and informal systems like minibuses dominate, the emissions from these older, poorly maintained vehicles further exacerbate air pollution.
Public Health Consequences
The impact of poor air quality on public health is staggering. South Asia suffers from some of the highest rates of respiratory diseases in the world, with cities like Delhi and Dhaka regularly witnessing spikes in asthma, bronchitis, and other chronic conditions. The WHO estimates that outdoor air pollution leads to over two million premature deaths each year in the region, with transportation-related emissions being a major contributor.
Children and the elderly are particularly vulnerable. In Delhi, studies have shown that children growing up in areas with high levels of vehicular emissions have significantly reduced lung function compared to their peers living in less polluted environments. Long-term exposure to fine particulate matter is linked to heart disease, lung cancer, and stroke, leading to an overwhelming burden on healthcare systems.
Government and Policy Interventions
Efforts to combat air pollution and transportation emissions have been implemented, but the progress remains slow. In India, policies such as the introduction of Bharat Stage (BS) VI emission standards, equivalent to Euro 6, aim to reduce vehicle emissions by mandating cleaner fuel and advanced vehicular technologies. Similarly, Bangladesh and Pakistan are considering similar updates to their vehicular standards, but enforcement remains inconsistent.
Public transportation reform is critical. Expanding and modernizing metro systems, electrifying bus fleets, and encouraging the use of non-motorized transportation such as cycling and walking can significantly reduce emissions. However, infrastructure investment remains insufficient in many cities. For example, while Kathmandu introduced electric buses in 2020, the fleet is too small to have a major impact on air quality, and most citizens still rely on outdated minibuses.
Technological and Community-Based Solutions
Emerging technologies, such as electric vehicles (EVs) and renewable energy sources, offer hope for reducing transportation emissions. Delhi has set ambitious goals to transition to electric vehicles, and cities like Bengaluru are investing in charging infrastructure. However, challenges such as the high cost of EVs and the lack of sufficient charging points hinder widespread adoption.
On a community level, citizen-led movements and awareness campaigns about air quality are gaining traction. Organizations are advocating for pedestrian-friendly streets, better urban planning, and improved public health policies to protect vulnerable populations from the adverse effects of air pollution.
Addressing the issue of air quality and transportation emissions in South Asian cities requires a multifaceted approach involving government regulation, infrastructure investment, and public awareness. With millions of lives at risk, improving urban air quality should be a top priority for policymakers and city planners across the region. While progress is being made, particularly in the adoption of cleaner technologies, the road ahead remains challenging. Strong political will, international collaboration, and community engagement are essential to overcoming this crisis and safeguarding public health for future generations.
References
- Asian Development Bank (ADB). (2019). The future of transport in South Asia: Challenges and opportunities for greener systems. Retrieved from https://www.adb.org
- Bhargava, A., Kumar, P., & Aggarwal, S. (2020). Air quality and public health in India: Impact of vehicular emissions on human health. Journal of Environmental Studies and Health Sciences, 15(2), 102-115. DOI: 10.1002/jesh.2020.02.02
- Centre for Science and Environment (CSE). (2020). Delhi air pollution: An overview of sources and measures. Retrieved from https://www.cseindia.org
- Clean Air Asia. (2020). Public transportation reform in South Asian megacities: Moving towards sustainability. Retrieved from https://www.cleanairasia.org
- Gurung, A. & Bell, M.L. (2021). Exposure to air pollution in Nepal and its potential public health impacts. Environmental Research, 195, 110859. DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2020.110859
- International Energy Agency (IEA). (2021). Tracking transport 2021: Transportation-related emissions and pollution in developing countries. Retrieved from https://www.iea.org/reports/tracking-transport
- Roy, R. & Chatterjee, S. (2020). Impact of traffic congestion on air pollution in Dhaka, Bangladesh. Urban Climate, 31, 100578. DOI: 10.1016/j.uclim.2020.100578
- United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). (2019). Air pollution in Asia and the Pacific: Science-based solutions. Retrieved from https://www.unep.org/resources/report
- World Bank. (2018). South Asia’s urban challenges: Growing cities, rising pollution. Retrieved from https://www.worldbank.org/en/region/sar
- World Health Organization (WHO). (2016). Ambient air pollution: A global assessment of exposure and burden of disease. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/publications
