Helena Joyce
India is one of the most polluted countries in the world, with 17 of the world's 30 cities with the worst air pollution. In 2019, India declared a war against pollution and launched its National Clean Air Programme (NCAP), aiming to reduce particulate pollution by 20-30% by 2024. However, the impact of this programme has been mixed, with air pollution levels in some cities remaining the same or worsening. Despite this, there have been successes, with cities like Kolkata and Varanasi showing significant improvements in air quality. India's pollution problem is largely due to industrial pollution, vehicles, crop burning, and the burning of wood and dirty fuels for cooking and heating. To address this, the Indian government has set aside about $1.7 billion to fight air pollution over the next five years and has implemented measures such as tighter vehicle emissions norms and the promotion of clean fuel standards.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Reduction in air pollution in Varanasi | PM 2.5 by 72%, PM10 by 69% |
| Reduction in Sulphur dioxide levels | Delhi, Mumbai, Lucknow, Bhopal |
| Reduction in nitrogen dioxide levels | Bhopal, Solapur |
| Indian cities with the worst air pollution | 17 out of the world's 30 worst cities are in India |
| India's rank in global pollution | Third largest producer of greenhouse gases |
| Number of cities with improved air quality | 2 out of 7 |
| India's air pollution contribution | 59.1% of the world's increase in pollution from 2013 to 2021 |
| India's premature deaths due to air pollution | 2 million per year |
| India's premature deaths due to cardiovascular disease | 4.5 million per year |
| India's air pollution-related economic welfare loss | 7.7% of GDP in 2013 |
| India's air pollution-related labour output loss | 0.84% of GDP in 2013 |
| India's annual budget to combat air pollution | $1.7 billion |
| Number of Indian cities receiving funds to combat air pollution | 131 |
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What You'll Learn
Indian government's $1.7 billion allocation to fight air pollution
India has been facing hazardous levels of air pollution, which has led to a major public health crisis. In 2019, India declared a "war against pollution" and launched its National Clean Air Programme (NCAP), aiming to reduce particulate pollution. Despite these efforts, air quality remains a persistent problem in India. Recognizing the urgency to address this crisis, the Indian government has taken a significant step by allocating $1.7 billion to combat air pollution over a five-year period, starting in 2020. This funding is specifically targeted at 42 Indian cities with populations exceeding one million, with the condition that these cities must demonstrate a 15% reduction in air pollution levels annually.
This performance-based fiscal transfer funding program for air quality management is a pioneering initiative, not only in India but worldwide. The Indian Parliament also approved the establishment of the Commission of Air Quality Management in the National Capital Region and adjoining areas in August 2021, acknowledging the necessity for collaboration across jurisdictions and airshed-level action. This commission was created to address the persistently hazardous air pollution levels that have severely impacted the health and economy of the country.
The Indian government's $1.7 billion allocation to combat air pollution is a substantial investment in the well-being of its citizens. This funding will enable the implementation of various measures to reduce pollution levels. For example, the government can promote the use of clean and sustainable energy sources, such as incentivizing the use of electric and hybrid vehicles while discouraging the use of highly polluting fossil fuels. Additionally, the funds can be utilized to improve industrial processes, making them more environmentally friendly and efficient, reducing harmful emissions into the atmosphere.
Furthermore, the allocation of funds can be used to support agricultural initiatives that aim to reduce pollution. For instance, providing farmers with alternative methods of disposing of crop residue instead of burning it, such as using bio-decomposers to convert stubble into manure. The government can also focus on enhancing public transportation systems to reduce vehicle emissions, as well as implementing stricter emission standards for vehicles, particularly in highly congested urban areas.
The Indian government's commitment of $1.7 billion to combat air pollution is a crucial step towards improving the country's air quality and the health of its citizens. By investing in pollution reduction initiatives and encouraging collaboration between states, India is demonstrating its dedication to tackling this pressing issue. However, it is important to note that the success of these efforts will depend on effective utilization of the allocated funds, strong coordination between states, and a sustained focus on implementing targeted and cost-effective plans.
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Impact of COVID-19 lockdown on air pollution
India, the second-most populous country in the world, has been suffering from severe air pollution alongside rapid urbanization and industrialization in recent decades. In 2017, high-level pollution caused 1.24 million deaths in India and a great loss of crops.
The COVID-19 lockdown imposed in India in March 2020 prohibited unnecessary anthropogenic activities, leading to a significant reduction in emissions. The lockdown has positively impacted the natural environment, with a substantial decrease in air pollution across the country.
In cities, more than half of the air pollution is caused by vehicular emissions. During the lockdown, there was a large reduction in the number of vehicles on the road, which led to a decrease in the concentration of suspended particulate matter (PM) in the atmosphere. This was a major component of air pollution in India. According to two studies published in the journal Geophysical Research Letters in May 2020, the levels of two major air pollutants, including nitrogen dioxide, drastically reduced since lockdowns were enforced worldwide. In India, satellite data has shown a significant drop in particulate matter or aerosol levels after the COVID-19 lockdown.
The lockdown measures also impacted water quality, with reduced water pollution allowing the return of wildlife such as South Asian river dolphins in the Ganga River. Tens of thousands of flamingos were also spotted in Navi Mumbai, with residents reporting a massive increase in their numbers compared to previous years.
While the full extent of the COVID-19 lockdown's impact on the environment is not yet known, the effects witnessed include cleaner air, cleaner water, less waste, and lower noise levels. The lockdown has also resulted in the gradual repair of the ozone hole, with a significant reduction in particulate matter and greenhouse gas emissions in the upper atmosphere.
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The National Clean Air Programme (NCAP)
India has been facing a major challenge in the form of air pollution, which has led to a reduction in the average Indian's life expectancy. In 2019, India declared a "war against pollution" and launched its National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) to reduce particulate pollution.
NCAP is India's flagship program aimed at improving air quality in 122 cities, with a focus on 102 cities that were not meeting India's national annual PM5 standard, termed "non-attainment cities". The program involves reviewing the institutional, legal, and administrative arrangements for regional air quality management, as well as the availability of city-specific information on source contributions and financial commitments. It requires a central executor with a legal mandate to prioritize actions and an institutional mechanism to track progress. The World Bank program is introducing tools to support state and regional air quality management approaches, helping formulate India's first State Air Quality Action Plans and its first large Regional Airshed Action Plan for the Indo-Gangetic Plains (IGP), spanning seven union territories and states.
The original goal of NCAP was to achieve a 20-30% reduction in particulate pollution by 2024 relative to 2017 levels. However, in 2022, the Indian government announced a more ambitious target, setting no national goal but increasing the city-level target to a 40% reduction relative to 2017 levels for 131 non-attainment cities by 2025-26. This would result in significant health benefits, adding almost two years to the life expectancy of the average Indian living in these cities.
To achieve these targets, NCAP has led to the submission of 102 clean air action plans, which have been evaluated based on their scientific, legislative, financial, and institutional frameworks. The plans include measures such as mandating regular updates for emission and pollution loads, granting greater fiscal autonomy to Urban Local Bodies to maintain air quality infrastructure, and shifting from city-centric to airshed-centric air quality management. However, there are areas for improvement, such as integrating information on source contributions and financial requirements, and addressing the absence of institutional and administrative arrangements for inter-departmental and regional alignment in air pollution mitigation strategies.
While NCAP is a significant step towards addressing air pollution in India, it is important to recognize that air pollution is a complex issue requiring sustained political commitment and comprehensive programs across sectors. India has also implemented other measures, such as the 2017 Odd-Even Rule in Delhi, tighter vehicle emissions norms, higher penalties for burning rubbish, and the promotion of clean fuels. Additionally, addressing data availability and accessibility is crucial for effective air pollution management, enabling citizens to actively participate in tackling this public health crisis.
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The role of the private sector in combating air pollution
India is one of the world's most polluted countries, with 17 of the world's 30 cities with the worst air pollution. The capital, New Delhi, has the poorest air quality among capital cities globally, with particulate matter (PM2.5) concentrations nearly 10 times higher than the World Health Organization guidelines. The country has seen a dramatic shift in the profiles of lung cancer patients, with air pollution from dirty diesel exhaust fumes, construction dust, rising industrial emissions, and crop burning creating heavy loads of harmful pollutants in the air. Air pollution accounts for more than 2 million deaths a year in India and is the country's largest cause of death after heart disease. It also leads to health problems like respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, reduced foetal growth, stunted development of children’s lungs, and cognitive impairment.
The Indian government has implemented various initiatives to address air pollution, such as the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP), which aims to improve air quality across the country, with a focus on "non-attainment" cities that do not meet air pollution standards. The government has also set aside funding to fight air pollution, introduced stricter fuel and emission norms, provided cleaner cooking alternatives, and promoted renewable energy sources. However, the private sector also plays a crucial role in combating air pollution in India.
The private sector's role in combating air pollution in India is vital, and businesses have begun to engage with the issue through platforms like the Confederation of Indian Industry's CEO Forum for Clean Air, which brings together business leaders to drive cross-sector change. One example of private sector involvement is the TRUE Initiative's study in Delhi and Gurugram, which revealed that motor vehicles emit significantly more pollutants in real-world conditions compared to lab tests, highlighting the need for an accelerated transition to zero-emission vehicles.
Additionally, organizations like the Clean Air Fund work with government, businesses, and research institutions to support India's clean air goals. They enable improved generation of air quality data, provide technical assistance to sub-national governments, and facilitate dialogue between stakeholders, including private sector leaders. This collaboration ensures that policies are informed by accurate data and that emission reduction efforts are aligned with national programs like NCAP.
The private sector can further contribute to combating air pollution by investing in and adopting cleaner technologies, such as renewable energy sources and electric vehicles. Businesses can also develop innovative solutions for pollution monitoring and control, leveraging advancements in remote sensing technology. Moreover, the private sector can play a key role in raising awareness about the impact of air pollution on health and the environment, as well as promoting sustainable practices among consumers and within their own operations.
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Air pollution data availability and accessibility
Air pollution data is available in India from Central and State pollution control board websites. However, accessing this data is not always straightforward, and it is often not in a format that is ready for analysis. This issue sets India apart from many other nations with similar or smaller air quality monitoring networks.
To address this issue, India could make these datasets more accessible and available in a timely manner by improving their APIs. This would enable Indian citizens with various skill sets to participate in addressing the country's air pollution crisis.
Despite the challenges, there are some positive developments in air pollution data availability and accessibility in India. For example, the World Bank program is introducing tools to support state and regional air quality management approaches, which will help formulate India's first State Air Quality Action Plans and Regional Airshed Action Plan for the Indo-Gangetic Plains.
Additionally, there are real-time air pollution maps and indices available for India, such as the Air Quality Index (AQI) and the World Air Quality Index project. These tools provide up-to-date information on air pollution levels in various parts of the country.
Furthermore, companies like Prana Air offer air quality solutions that include monitoring and data analysis for various industries, including real estate, retail, schools, hospitals, and construction. These solutions can help businesses and organizations improve indoor and outdoor air quality and ensure the health and safety of their occupants.
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Frequently asked questions
India is one of the most polluted countries in the world, with 17 of the world's 30 cities with the worst air pollution.
Industrial pollution is the largest source, accounting for 51% of India's air pollution. Vehicle emissions are the second-largest source, contributing 27%.
The Indian government has implemented various programmes to address air pollution, including the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP), which aims to reduce particulate matter pollution by 40% by 2026. The government has also set aside about $1.7 billion to fight air pollution over five years.
India has shown mixed results in its efforts to reduce pollution. While some cities like Kolkata and Varanasi have seen improvements, others like Navi Mumbai, Ujjain, and Mumbai have experienced increases in pollution concentrations. Overall, India's pollution numbers have remained relatively stagnant, with a slight increase in recent years.
The COVID-19 lockdown period led to improvements in air quality across India, highlighting the potential for significant pollution reduction with reduced human activity.
