[Day] 11
o Healthcare Costs:
Every year, the health consequences of air pollution are estimated to be around
₹7,500 crores,
which negatively affects public health systems and impacts the financing of other
health
priorities (Sharma et al., 2018).
o Productivity Losses:
It has been estimated that productivity losses from air pollution may account for
3-4% of
Delhi’s GDP on account that residents miss work or are less productive on days when
there is high pollution (Indian Council of Medical Research, 2020).
o Agricultural Yields:
Yield losses of 20-25% have been observed due to the impact of ozone on the crops
and
soil in addition to deterioration of soil (Singh et al., 2019).
o Tourism Decline:
In the months when pollution levels are the highest, Delhi witnesses a fall in
tourism by
25-30%, thus further affecting the country’s economy (Tourism Ministry, 2021).
❖ Climate Policy Integration Assessment
• Sectoral Contributions
Several sectors contribute to air pollution in Delhi. These sectors include:
o Transport Sector:
Out of the total emissions produced, the transport sector accounts for 40% of
emissions with a
substantial amount coming from old cars and poorly maintained vehicles. However,
emission
comedystander compliance has only reached 25 percent (Transport Department, 2020).
o Industrial Sector:
30% of the air pollution is caused by the industrial sector, which however 45% of
industries do
not follow the emission norms laid down (Indian Industry Association, 2021).
• Ecosystem Based Approaches
Urban ecosystem rehabilitation initiatives extant urban ecology restoration
activities have proved
inadequate:
o Green Cover:
Delhi has 23% green cover as opposed to the required 33% coverage (Delhi Forest
Department, 2021).
o Wetland Conservation:
Land management systems in wetland areas, have reached only 40% and 30% of the
implementation of biodiversity corridors, causing these ecosystems to face the
peril of
degradation as they are not protected (Ganguly et al., 2020).
