Nithin Kamath, CEO of Zerodha, raised concerns about the alarmed levels of air pollution in the most expensive cities in India. Sharing ideas of a report on the real estate market, he highlighted a disturbing trend – Delhi, Mumbai and Bengaluru, which saw some of the highest peaks in house prices, also suffer from dangerously high levels of atmospheric pollution. He asked why this critical factor does not receive enough attention.
In an article on X (formerly Twitter), Kamath cited the classification of the world market of T-4 2024 of Knight Frank, declaring: “Delhi, Mumbai and Bengaluru were among the best 15 cities in terms of increased price of houses . What does not get enough attention is the AQI of these cities. The more expensive cities of India have an air quality worse, and they are averages – many places have even higher AQIs. »»
Kamath explained how pollution levels tend to follow a U-shaped curve in the development of a country- by increasing initially but later decreasing with progress, as we see in the United States, in the Kingdom- Uni and in China. However, he pointed out that technology provides solutions to break this model earlier.
Stressing usable measures, he underlined the coal power plants, a major source of sulfur dioxide emissions (SO₂). “An obvious way to reduce SO₂ emissions is to install exharators in power plants. China has done this, and despite the burmotting of the record quantities of coal, its sulfur emissions fell. In India, the use of coal and So₂ emissions are still increasing, “he noted.
He also highlighted the role of stricter emission standards, especially in transport. “Transport is the largest source of pollutants and urban populations are most exposed to them due to congestion. The stricter emission standards have historically forced car manufacturers to innovate, and the electrification of transport fleets can make a significant difference, “said Kamath.
Kamath also warned of the economic impact of uncontrolled pollution. “Pollution will eventually feed prices. Higher pollution means more health problems and insurance companies plan to increase health premiums from 10 to 15% for Delhi. Now think of all other ways that pollution will interact with prices and inflation. It’s frightening.
His post struck a sensitive string with many sparkling discussions on public apathy and the urgent need for solutions.
A user wrote: “To make people aware is the first step. Everyone thinks it’s not a problem. But with efforts and investments, we can solve this problem in five years. Another has painted a dark image of the exposure, illness and increase in costs due to pollution.
Atmospheric pollution remains a persistent crisis in the big cities of India, conducted by vehicle emissions, industrial activity, construction dust and the combustion of seasonal harvest. Winds aggravate the problem as pollutants are trapped near the surface, creating a thick smog. The high levels of PM2.5 and PM10 have serious health risks, from respiratory diseases to heart conditions. Although initiatives such as promoting electric vehicles and stricter standards are in place, rapid urbanization and population growth continue to question the efforts to slow pollution.
