CNN Central News & Network-ITDC India Epress/ITDC News Bhopal: Rapid economic growth and rising electricity demand in India have been linked to worsening outdoor air pollution in cities, according to a new study led by researchers from the University of Oxford and published in Nature Cities. The research examined the relationship between economic growth, electricity generation, air pollution and health outcomes over recent decades.
The study found that India’s electricity demand increased nearly fourfold between 2000 and 2020, while coal supplied about 76% of total electricity generation. The expansion of coal-fired power generation was accompanied by higher sulphur dioxide emissions and increasing concentrations of sulphate aerosols and fine particulate matter.
Researchers estimated that urban deaths attributable to PM2.5 exposure increased from about 670,000 in 2000 to approximately 870,000 in 2020, representing an increase of around 30%. The largest increases in pollution were identified across northern and eastern India, particularly areas where dense populations overlap with extensive coal-fired power infrastructure.
The research also highlights a contrasting trend. Greater access to cleaner cooking fuels reduced household exposure to indoor air pollution, while outdoor pollution increased alongside coal-dependent electricity generation. The study found that the power sector’s contribution to urban aerosol loading rose substantially during the period examined.
Researchers said the findings underline the need to examine the environmental and health consequences of energy systems while India continues its economic and infrastructure expansion.
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