India's Fight Against Air Pollution: Strategies And Initiatives

India is one of the most polluted countries in the world, with 1.67 million deaths attributable to air pollution in 2019, accounting for 17.8% of total deaths in the country. Air pollution in India is caused by a combination of factors, including construction activities, vehicular emissions, industrial pollutants, and the seasonal burning of crop residue. To combat this, India has launched the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP), which aims to reduce particulate matter pollution by 20-30% by 2024 compared to 2017 levels. The NCAP provides an overall framework for cities to develop air quality management plans, with guidance on policies across various sectors. In addition, the Indian government has set aside about $1.7 billion to fight air pollution over the next five years for 42 Indian cities with a population of over a million.

India's National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) aims to reduce particulate matter pollution by 20-30% by 2024

India is one of the most polluted countries in the world, with 1.4 billion people exposed to unhealthy levels of ambient particulate matter (PM2.5). The air pollution crisis in India has devastating effects on the population, causing more than 2 million deaths per year and contributing to health issues such as respiratory and cardiovascular disease. It is also costly to the economy, with a total loss of $36.8 billion in 2019, accounting for 1.36% of India's gross domestic product (GDP).

To address this issue, India has launched the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP), a comprehensive initiative to improve air quality across the country. The NCAP aims to reduce particulate matter pollution by 20-30% by 2024, with a particular focus on 122 "non-attainment" cities that consistently fail to meet air pollution standards. The programme provides a framework for developing air quality management plans and offers guidance on policies across various sectors.

The Indian government has recognised the multi-sectoral and multi-jurisdictional nature of the air pollution challenge and is taking significant steps to combat it. This includes strengthening vehicular and industrial emission standards, promoting renewable energy and electric vehicles, and providing cleaner cooking fuel to households. The NCAP also calls for a central executor with a legal mandate to prioritise actions and track progress towards improving air quality.

In addition to the NCAP, India is implementing other strategies to reduce air pollution. For example, the government has set aside approximately $1.7 billion to fight air pollution in 42 Indian cities with populations of over one million. This performance-based funding programme requires cities to reduce air pollution levels by 15% annually to receive funding. India is also working with the World Bank to enhance knowledge, build capacity, and transfer expertise in airshed management tools to support state and regional air quality management approaches.

By implementing the NCAP and other initiatives, India is demonstrating its commitment to tackling air pollution and improving the health and well-being of its citizens. The success of these efforts will depend on effective coordination, strong commitment, and well-targeted, cost-effective plans.

The government is strengthening vehicular and industrial emission standards

India is taking significant steps to tackle its air pollution problem. The government is strengthening vehicular and industrial emission standards, which is one of the many approaches the country is adopting.

The government has been working consistently to address the issue of decreasing ambient air quality. The Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981, and the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, gave the Indian government the right to regulate vehicular emission standards. The Central Pollution Control Board of India sets the Bharat Stage (BS) Emission Standards, which are based on European standards. All vehicle manufacturers must only sell vehicles that comply with these standards. The BS standards have been revised multiple times to reduce the permissible level of tailpipe pollutants. For instance, the BS-IV standards introduced in 2017 allowed 50 parts per million (ppm) of sulphur, while the updated BS-VI standards, applicable from 2020, only allow 10 ppm of sulphur.

The government has also set up stringent emission standards for vehicles and introduced fuel quality norms to reduce vehicular pollution. These standards are designed to protect human health and achieve air quality standards. The emission standards are statutory permissible limits of pollutants released into the atmosphere from specific sources over a specific period. The regulatory authorities in India have categorised vehicles for the formation of emission norms. The vehicle categories in Indian emission standards are similar to the Euro standards. The regulated pollutants for vehicular emissions are hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, and particulate matter.

The government has also been working on reducing emissions from industries. The National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) has set a time-bound goal for improving air quality across the country, with a focus on around 132 "non-attainment" cities where air pollution standards are not being met. The NCAP provides an overall framework for cities to develop air quality management plans, with guidance on policies across a range of sectors.

India is expanding renewable energy and promoting electric vehicles

India is taking significant steps to tackle its air pollution crisis, which is causing over 2 million deaths a year and impacting the economy. The country is expanding its renewable energy capacity and promoting electric vehicles (EVs) as part of its strategy to reduce air pollution and transition to cleaner energy sources.

Expanding Renewable Energy

India has ambitious renewable energy targets and is committed to achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2070. The country aims to fulfil 50% of its energy requirements through renewable sources by 2030, with a target of 500 GW of non-fossil energy capacity. As of December 2023, India's installed renewable energy capacity was 135 GW, expected to increase to 170 GW by March 2025. This includes solar, wind, biomass, small hydro, and other sources.

To achieve these targets, India is investing heavily in the renewable energy sector. Between April 2000 and September 2023, the non-conventional energy space in India attracted approximately US$ 15.36 billion in FDI inflows. The government has also increased funding for solar power grid infrastructure development, with a budget allocation of US$ 1.02 billion for 2024-25.

Additionally, India is focusing on solar energy, with a target of 280 GW by 2030. The installed solar capacity has increased significantly in recent years, reaching 73.32 GW as of December 2023. The government has implemented initiatives such as the PM-KUSUM scheme, which provides financial assistance to farmers to set up solar power plants and solar agriculture pumps.

Promoting Electric Vehicles

The Indian government recognizes the role of electric vehicles in reducing air pollution and is taking steps to promote their adoption. Electric vehicles can be charged from renewable energy sources, contributing to grid stability and the proliferation of renewable energy.

The National Electric Mobility Mission has been launched to promote the sale of electric and hybrid vehicles. Additionally, the potential for revenue generation through the utilization of power stored in EV batteries is being explored. This includes the concept of a Virtual Power Plant (VPP), which aggregates the capacities of distributed energy resources, including electric vehicles, for power generation and electricity trading.

The government is also encouraging the adoption of electric vehicles through initiatives such as the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana, which offers free rooftop solar electricity to 1 crore households.

LPG cooking fuel is being supplied to millions of households

India is taking significant steps to address its air pollution problem. One of these steps is the supply of LPG cooking fuel to millions of households. LPG, or Liquefied Petroleum Gas, is a clean-burning fuel that produces fewer air pollutants and greenhouse gas emissions, making the air better to inhale and reducing environmental impact. It emits 33% less CO2 than coal and 12% less than oil, making it a more environmentally friendly option.

LPG is a versatile fuel with various applications, including cooking, heating, transportation, and industrial processes. It is reliable, safe, and easily available, making it ideal for domestic use. Private gas agencies play a crucial role in delivering LPG cylinders to millions of households across India, and its use is particularly prominent in urban and semi-urban areas.

The Indian government has implemented several policies to promote the adoption of LPG, such as the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY) and the Pahal program, which provides free LPG connections to poor and rural households. These initiatives aim to reduce the use of traditional solid fuels like firewood, dung cakes, and kerosene, which contribute to indoor air pollution.

Despite these efforts, fuel stacking, or the use of multiple types of fuel, is still common in India. Many households use LPG alongside traditional solid fuels due to the high cost of LPG cylinders and limited access to refills. However, LPG remains a desirable fuel, and rural households find it convenient and healthy. To further encourage the adoption of LPG, the Indian government and policymakers should focus on making it more affordable and improving its accessibility, especially in rural areas.

India is adopting an airshed approach to air pollution control strategies

The air pollution crisis in India is inherently multi-sectoral and multi-jurisdictional, requiring an "airshed" approach. India's air pollution challenge is complex and cannot be solved through a city-centric approach. Airshed management is a tool that has been widely practised in developed countries to mitigate air quality issues. The implementation of this approach in developing countries may encounter challenges due to limited resources and trained researchers. However, it is a suitable framework for a regional airshed approach to better comprehend the sources, impacts, and design of an adequate response, rather than localized action within administrative boundaries.

The World Bank is introducing tools for airshed management and planning to support state and regional air quality management approaches in India. These efforts aim to facilitate the creation of India's first State-wide Air Quality Action Plans and the first extensive Regional Airshed Action Plan for the Indo Gangetic Plains (IGP), covering seven union territories and states. This regional airshed approach is crucial as air pollution in India transcends national and state borders. A 2020 study of 22 regions showed that 46% of air pollution, adjusted for population distribution, originates from another Indian state. Similarly, approximately half of the population-weighted PM2.5 in Delhi comes from outside the territory, with 50% of that coming from Haryana and Uttar Pradesh.

The concept of airsheds is not new, with both British Columbia in Canada and California in the US having successfully used this approach to tackle air pollution. The Air Quality Act of 1967 divided California into 35 districts with similar geographic, topographic, and meteorological conditions, with pollution regulated by the California Air Resources Board. By 2019, California had achieved a 98% reduction in emissions from heavy-duty engines compared to 2010 levels.

India is now looking to apply a similar strategy, with the World Bank supporting a team of Indian experts in adopting internationally recognized models. The Indian government is also taking other significant steps to address air pollution, such as strengthening vehicular and industrial emission standards, expanding renewable energy, promoting electric vehicles, and supplying LPG cooking fuel to households.

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