# India’s Air Pollution Crisis Poised to Worsen in the Years Ahead

- Link: https://www.thailand-business-news.com/india/182273-indias-air-pollution-crisis-poised-to-worsen-in-the-years-ahead
- Published: 2025-09-06T08:26:00+07:00
- Author: Arun Upadhyaya

**Extreme winter air pollution in Delhi and the Indo-Gangetic Plain is projected
to intensify due to crop residue burning, coal-based power generation, and unfavorable
weather conditions, posing serious risks to public health and hindering tourism.**

## Key View

 * We expect extreme winter air pollution in Delhi and the Indo-Gangetic Plain to
   worsen over the coming years as key drivers, including crop burning, coal power
   generation and weather conditions, will likely intensify. 
 * In addition to its negative impact on public health, we highlight the adverse
   impact on the travel and tourism sector.

**Coal will continue to supply more than half of India’s primary energy consumption
in 2033, driving air pollution in Delhi and the Indo-Gangetic Plain (IGP).** Coal-
fired plants will account for around 66% of electricity generation in 2033, while
coal use in industry will grow as steel and cement production expands. We expect
coal-fired power capacity to increase through to 2028, in line with the National
Energy Plan for 2022-2027.

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As shown in the map below, many plants that are planned or under construction are
located in areas already burdened with high levels of air pollution. To fight air
pollution, as of January 2023, the Commission for Air Quality Management requires
the complete elimination of coal and unapproved fuels in all sectors, including 
industrial and commercial but excluding thermal power plants inside the National
Capital Region. There are currently eight cement plants inside the NCR that are 
affected by the ban. At the same time, there are plans to build or expand two coal
power stations inside or just outside the region, which would add above 2100MW of
coal power capacity within the vicinity of New Delhi and undermine the efforts to
curb industrial emissions from coal consumption that would affect the city. 

India’s battle against air pollution is escalating, with forecasts indicating that
the situation will worsen in the coming years. Urban centers like New Delhi consistently
rank among the most polluted cities in the world, with a toxic blend of emissions
from vehicles, industrial activity, and construction dust contributing to the dire
air quality. According to environmental researchers, a combination of rapid industrialization,
urbanization, and inadequate regulatory measures has made it challenging to curb
emissions effectively.

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The effects of this extreme air pollution are far-reaching, impacting public health
and the environment. Respiratory diseases, heart conditions, and other health complications
are on the rise, disproportionately affecting vulnerable populations, including 
children and the elderly. Furthermore, the rising pollution levels threaten agricultural
productivity, deteriorate biodiversity, and contribute to climate change, creating
a vicious cycle that remains difficult to break.

Addressing India’s air quality crisis requires a multifaceted approach. Improved
policies aimed at reducing emissions, investing in renewable energy, and promoting
public transportation can help mitigate pollution levels. However, urgent action
and sustained commitment from both policymakers and citizens are essential to avert
the anticipated deterioration of air quality and protect the health of millions.

[Read More](https://www.fitchsolutions.com/bmi/esg-country/indias-extreme-air-pollution-worsen-over-coming-years-05-12-2024)