Hayli Gubbi volcano had little to no impact on South Asia’s severe air pollution: ICIMOD analysis

South Asia, a densely populated region, has consistently grappled with some of the world's most severe air pollution, particularly during the post-monsoon and winter months. Cities like Delhi, Lahore, and Dhaka frequently top lists of the most polluted urban centers globally. This persistent crisis has led to widespread public health concerns, economic losses, and environmental degradation. The search for causes often points to a combination of local factors, but occasionally, external events like volcanic eruptions are also considered due to their potential to inject significant aerosols into the atmosphere, affecting regional air quality.

The recent analysis by the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD) provides crucial clarity on this complex issue, specifically addressing the role of the Hayli Gubbi volcano. The report unequivocally states that the eruption of the Hayli Gubbi volcano had little to no impact on the severe air pollution choking major South Asian cities. This finding is significant because it dispels any notion of an external, uncontrollable factor being a primary driver of the region's air quality crisis. Instead, ICIMOD's research firmly attributes the pollution to 'homegrown' sources, emphasizing local emissions and prevailing weather patterns as the dominant culprits. This includes factors such as vehicular emissions, industrial pollution, construction dust, biomass burning (including stubble burning in agricultural areas like the Indo-Gangetic Plain), and domestic cooking fuels.

Several key stakeholders are involved in this environmental challenge. ICIMOD itself, an intergovernmental learning and knowledge sharing centre, plays a vital role in research, policy advocacy, and promoting regional cooperation on environmental issues in the Hindu Kush Himalaya region. The governments of South Asian nations, including India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, and Bhutan, are primary stakeholders, bearing the responsibility for formulating and implementing effective environmental policies, enforcing regulations, and investing in cleaner technologies. Local municipal bodies are crucial for ground-level implementation. The citizens, as both contributors to and sufferers of pollution, are also significant stakeholders, requiring awareness, behavioral changes, and active participation in pollution control efforts. International organizations like the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) also contribute by setting standards, providing technical assistance, and highlighting the global health burden of air pollution.

For India, this analysis carries profound significance. India is home to many of the world's most polluted cities, and air pollution is a major public health emergency. The ICIMOD report reinforces that the solutions lie predominantly within India's borders and require robust domestic policy interventions. Economically, air pollution leads to substantial productivity losses, increased healthcare expenditures, and impacts sectors like tourism and agriculture. Socially, it disproportionately affects vulnerable populations, exacerbating health inequalities. The finding underscores the urgency for India to double down on its National Clean Air Programme (NCAP), launched in 2019, which aims to reduce particulate matter concentration by 20-30% by 2024, and the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) which implements emergency measures during severe pollution episodes.

Historically, the problem of air pollution in South Asia has escalated with rapid industrialization, urbanization, and population growth since the latter half of the 20th century. While some progress has been made, the scale of the challenge remains immense. The seasonal nature of pollution, particularly the winter smog, is exacerbated by meteorological conditions like low wind speeds, temperature inversions, and western disturbances trapping pollutants closer to the ground.

From a constitutional perspective, India's commitment to environmental protection is enshrined in its foundational document. Article 21, guaranteeing the 'Right to Life', has been interpreted by the Supreme Court to implicitly include the right to a clean environment. Article 48A, a Directive Principle of State Policy, mandates that 'the State shall endeavour to protect and improve the environment and to safeguard the forests and wildlife of the country'. Furthermore, Article 51A(g) makes it a Fundamental Duty of every citizen 'to protect and improve the natural environment including forests, lakes, rivers and wildlife, and to have compassion for living creatures'. Key legislative frameworks include the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981, and the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, which provide the legal teeth for pollution control.

Connecting to broader themes, this issue highlights critical governance challenges, including inter-state cooperation (e.g., between Punjab and Delhi on stubble burning), enforcement mechanisms, and the need for sustained political will. It also touches upon sustainable development goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) and SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities). The regional nature of air pollution, though primarily homegrown, still necessitates enhanced international cooperation within South Asia, perhaps through platforms like SAARC or bilateral agreements, to share best practices and collectively address transboundary movement of pollutants.

Looking ahead, the future implications are clear: South Asian nations, especially India, must intensify efforts to curb local emission sources. This involves transitioning to cleaner energy, promoting electric vehicles, improving public transport, adopting sustainable agricultural practices, regulating industrial emissions more stringently, and managing urban waste effectively. The focus must shift from reactive measures to proactive, preventive strategies based on robust scientific data. Continued monitoring, research, and public engagement will be crucial for achieving breathable air and ensuring a healthier future for the region's vast population. The ICIMOD report serves as a stark reminder that accountability for clean air begins at home.