DAW 22nd November 2025, Mains Answer Writting 2026

DAW 22nd November 2025, Mains Answer Writting 2026

Question

Greenpeace 2023 World Air Quality Report highlights South Asia as the region with the world’s most hazardous air quality, driven by complex natural, anthropogenic, and transboundary factors." In this context, examine the key findings of the report with respect to the Indo-Gangetic Plain. How do these findings reveal the limitations of India’s current air-quality governance mechanisms, including GRAP? 

Model Answer

Approach: Introduction:  

  • In the introduction, you can talk about the basics of the report and use the key words asked in the question 

Body: 

  • In the body, highlight the various factors responsible for the pollution in the region as outlined in the report. 

  • Also talk about the limitations of current mechanisms in dealing with air pollution in India with a special emphasis on GRAP 

  • Also talk about what needs to be done in the Way Forward 

Conclusion: 

  • Conclude the answer by summarising the body part and linking it with sustainable development.  

        Introduction: 

  • Air pollution in South Asia is not merely a localized urban issue but a regional crisis driven by a complex interplay of natural and anthropogenic factors.  

  • This crisis is exacerbated by the region's unique geography that has resulted in air pollution being a transnational crisis. 

  • The Greenpeace 2023 World Air Quality Report highlights that poor air quality in the region is primarily due to industrial and vehicular emissions.  

 Body: Natural and Geographic Factors: 

  • The Indo-Gangetic Plain and beyond share a fixed topography that causes fixed ventilation of natural air leading to the dispersal and trapping of pollutants (Himalayas act as a barrier blocking the pollutants in winter and then there is temperature inversion that traps pollutants by preventing the polluted air mixing with the rest of the air) across the region. 

  • This results in a trans-national and regional haze. 

  • Pollution in this region is a transnational issue( that is not confined to national boundaries)  

  • For instance, local pollution and smoke from India have been reported to drift into Pakistan due to low-speed winds 

  • Dhaka and Kathmandu also face worsening AQI levels. 

  • The World Bank's 2023 report on Air Pollution and Public Health in South Asia reveals that nine out of the world's 10 cities with the worst air pollution are in South Asia. 

 Anthropogenic Drivers: 

  • The primary drivers are industrial emissions, vehicular exhaust, and the burning of solid fuels and waste. 

  • Rapid urbanization coupled with a steep rise in automobile sales, lack of public transport, and the loss of urban greenery for concrete structures have severely deteriorated air quality. 

Economic Impact: 

  • World Bank study estimates that high AQI levels cost India about 3% of its GDP (due to healthcare expenses and lost labor capital) 

  • The Lancet Health Journal highlighted that in 2019, India's GDP reduced by 1.36% (due to premature morbidity and mortality caused by air pollution) 

Limitations of Current Governance: 

  • Mechanisms like the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) and Commission for Air Quality Management's actions are often knee-jerk reactions rather than sustainable solutions.  

  • They switch between stages (for example, from Stage 1 to Stage 3) based on deteriorating AQI but fail to address the root causes. 

  • Current policies largely address the issue in piecemeal fashion within national or state borders.  

  • However, the crisis is transnational, 

  • This requires a meteorological mindset that involves stakeholders across borders and states. 

  • The failure to manage such crises is attributed to abysmal political will to tackle the sources of pollution effectively.  

Way Forward: 

  • A recent study by IIT Bhubaneshwar emphasizes the need for a regional airshed scale management strategy rather than isolated local measures. 

  • Long-term strategies must focus on strong decarbonization measures, structural reforms in agricultural practices, and curbing industry emissions across national borders. 

  • A caring human development model is needed that addresses the specific needs of the working class and farmers, who are often most affected and blamed for pollution sources (like stubble burning) 

Conclusion: 

  • The air pollution crisis in South Asia is a stark reminder that environmental challenges do not respect political boundaries.  

  • Only a nuanced model of governance that combines strong political will, regional cooperation, and a shift away from poorly thought-out development patterns can uproot the sources of this crisis and ensure a sustainable future for the region.