Air Pollution Measurement Techniques In India

Air pollution in India is a pressing public health issue. In 2019, India declared a war against pollution and launched the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) to reduce particulate pollution. The country has also implemented various other initiatives to combat pollution, such as the Great Green Wall of Aravalli, a 1,600-kilometre-long ecological corridor. Despite these efforts, India continues to face significant air quality challenges, with high levels of industrial and vehicular emissions, construction dust, and thermal power dependence contributing to the problem. The monitoring of air quality and meteorological parameters is crucial for addressing this issue, but accessing data from Central and State pollution control boards can be challenging. Real-time air pollution indices, such as the Air Quality Index (AQI), provide valuable information on the current air quality in India, with companies like Prana Air offering pollution monitoring solutions for various sectors.

How Air Pollution is Measured in India

Real-time air pollution monitoring

Air pollution in India is a severe environmental issue. In 2019, 21 of the world's 30 most polluted cities were in India. As per a study based on 2016 data, about 140 million people in India breathe air that is ten times or more the safe limit set by the WHO.

To address this issue, India has implemented various measures and initiatives to monitor and reduce air pollution. One such initiative is the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP), launched in 2019, with the goal of reducing particulate pollution by 20-30% nationally by 2024 relative to 2017 levels. This programme focuses on 131 cities that are not meeting India's national annual PM5 standard.

• Data Sources: Real-time air pollution data in India is collected by various organisations and institutions. One prominent source is the Central and State pollution control boards, which provide air quality data that can be accessed by the public. However, accessing this data can be challenging and may require pre-processing before it is ready for analysis.
• Monitoring Technology: India employs advanced technology for real-time air pollution monitoring. For example, the Prana Air smart city project provides air quality monitors, drones, outdoor air purifiers, and data dashboards to improve air quality. Aeroqual is another company that offers real-time air quality monitoring systems, measuring particulate matter and gaseous pollutants simultaneously.
• Visual Maps: Real-time air pollution visual maps are available for India, providing a comprehensive overview of air quality across the country. These maps, such as the one provided by the World Air Quality Index project, offer unvalidated data that is regularly updated to ensure accuracy.
• Meteorological Parameters: The monitoring of meteorological parameters, such as wind speed and direction, relative humidity, and temperature, is integrated with air quality monitoring. This provides a comprehensive understanding of the dispersion and impact of air pollutants.
• Health Advisories: Real-time air pollution monitoring is linked to health advisories, providing personalised health advice based on current air quality data. This helps individuals take necessary precautions to protect their health, especially in areas with high pollution levels.
• Solutions and Initiatives: Real-time air pollution monitoring data is used to develop solutions and initiatives to improve air quality. For example, the Indian government has implemented measures such as tighter vehicle emission norms, higher penalties for burning rubbish, and better control of road dust.

Government initiatives to reduce air pollution

India has implemented several initiatives to reduce air pollution and address this pressing issue. In 2019, the country declared a "war against pollution" and launched the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP), aiming to reduce particulate pollution. The NCAP initially targeted a 20-30% reduction in particulate pollution by 2024 relative to 2017 levels, focusing on 102 cities that were not meeting the national annual PM5 standard.

The Indian government has also set more ambitious goals for the NCAP, increasing the target to a 40% reduction relative to 2017 levels and expanding the number of cities to 131. This revamped goal is to be achieved by 2025-2026. Additionally, India is working on its first State Air Quality Action Plans and the Regional Airshed Action Plan for the Indo Gangetic Plains (IGP), involving seven union territories and states. The World Bank has been supporting this initiative by facilitating connections with academic institutions and local practitioners to enhance air quality management capabilities.

At the city level, many have activated the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) to tackle poor air quality. Stage I of GRAP includes measures such as dust mitigation at construction sites, efficient waste management, and regular road cleaning, which are particularly crucial during winter months when pollution levels surge due to agricultural burning, vehicle emissions, and industrial output. The use of bio-decomposers to address stubble burning, a significant contributor to winter pollution, is also noteworthy.

Furthermore, India is embracing technological innovations, such as the installation of "smog towers" and the use of anti-smog guns, to combat air pollution. Through initiatives like the NCAP and GRAP, along with robust research and collaboration, India is committed to mitigating this public health crisis and creating a cleaner, healthier environment for its citizens.

Air pollution as a health risk

Air pollution is a critical issue in India, with far-reaching health consequences for its residents. It is a major cause of premature death and disease, posing a significant threat to public health and well-being. The high levels of air pollution in India have been linked to a range of adverse health outcomes, which pose a risk to human health and create problems such as decreased lung function, respiratory symptoms, and increased asthma incidence.

Various studies have found strong associations between air pollution and respiratory and cardiovascular illnesses. Chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases, influenza, bronchitis, asthma, upper respiratory tract infections, and acute respiratory infections are just some of the health issues observed in Indian cities due to poor air quality. The high concentration of air pollutants has also been linked to an increased risk of cardio-respiratory illness, including ischemic heart disease, pneumonia, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, stroke, and lung cancer. These health risks are not limited to adults, as air pollution also impacts the health of children, with the Indian Ministry of Health estimating 1.5 million deaths annually among children under five years old.

The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) in India monitors ambient air quality in selected cities. They initiated the National Ambient Air Quality Monitoring (NAAQM) programme in 1984, later renamed the National Air Monitoring Programme (NAMP). Additionally, the Government of India has prescribed the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS). Despite these efforts, air pollution data in India is not always easily accessible or readily available for analysis, which can hinder effective monitoring and mitigation strategies.

The health risks associated with air pollution have substantial economic implications as well. The high burden of death and disease due to air pollution adversely affects economic productivity and could impede India's economic aspirations. Therefore, addressing air pollution through state-specific strategies and the adoption of clean fuels can bring about significant health and economic benefits for the country.

Furthermore, the COVID-19 lockdown period in India provided an interesting insight into the potential for air pollution reduction. The decrease in human activity during the lockdown led to improvements in air quality, suggesting that reducing air pollution could also help mitigate the adverse effects of respiratory illnesses such as COVID-19. Overall, air pollution poses a significant health risk to India's population, and concerted efforts are needed to reduce these risks and improve public health outcomes.

Air pollution data sources

The World Air Quality Index project provides real-time air pollution data for over 100 countries, including India, through its website and mobile applications. It offers a visual map of air quality across the country, allowing users to check the AQI in their specific areas. The project compiles and presents information with skill and care but disclaims liability for any loss or injury arising from the use of its data.

In recent years, the Indian government has taken initiatives to address air pollution. In 2019, India declared a "war against pollution" and launched the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP), aiming to reduce particulate pollution. The government also implemented measures such as the Odd-Even Rule in Delhi, which restricted vehicles' usage based on their number plates.

To enhance data collection and analysis, the Government of India, in collaboration with IIT Kanpur, established the National Air Quality Index in 2015. Additionally, the Aerosol and Air Quality Research Facility was launched in 2019 by IIT Bombay and the McKelvey School of Engineering to study air pollution specifically in India. These initiatives provide valuable data sources for understanding and mitigating air pollution in the country.

Air pollution control measures

India's air pollution problem is multi-sectoral and multi-jurisdictional, requiring a comprehensive strategy and a concerted effort from all stakeholders. Here are some key air pollution control measures that India can implement:

Strict Enforcement of Environmental Regulations

India should enforce environmental regulations more strictly, with a focus on reducing industrial and vehicular emissions, as well as agricultural activities that contribute to air pollution, such as crop residue burning.

Investment in Clean Technologies

Investing in clean technologies and renewable energy sources is crucial. This includes promoting the use of cleaner fuels for transportation and domestic use, as well as supporting the development and adoption of technologies that reduce emissions and improve energy efficiency.

Sustainable Urban Planning

India should promote sustainable urban planning practices, such as improving public transportation infrastructure, developing green spaces in urban areas, and designing more energy-efficient buildings.

Public Participation and Awareness

Educating the public about the causes and effects of air pollution, as well as involving them in pollution control efforts, is essential. Providing accessible and timely air quality data, such as through the use of air quality monitors and drones, can empower citizens to take an active role in addressing this issue.

International Collaboration

Working with other countries and international organizations, such as the World Bank, can provide access to expertise and resources to combat air pollution. India can learn from the successful experiences of other countries that have effectively tackled air pollution through a combination of regulations, innovations, and public awareness campaigns.

Focus on Priority Regions

India should prioritize regions with high pollution levels, such as the Indo-Gangetic Plains, and implement targeted action plans. This includes working with state and local governments to address specific pollution sources within their regions.

By implementing these measures and addressing the diverse sources of air pollution, India can make significant progress in improving air quality and reducing the health and environmental risks associated with air pollution.

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