Controlling Pollution In Metro Cities: Strategies And Solutions

The air quality in metropolitan cities is often poor, with high levels of pollution. The national capital region of Delhi and Kolkata are two of the most polluted metro cities in India. There are multiple policies in place to try and improve air quality and reduce pollution, but more strategies are needed to address all the significant sources. The transport sector is a major contributor to air pollution, with exhaust emissions from vehicles being the highest source of PM2.5 in Delhi.

City-specific pollution policies

One vital sector, domestic combustion, is yet to be covered by any city-specific policy. City authorities need to impose more strategies in critical areas other than the transport sector. In Delhi, the highest PM2.5 emitting source is the exhaust emission from the active vehicular fleet, contributing about 22% of total PM2.5. Multiple policies are targeted at controlling emissions from this sector.

During the COVID-19 lockdown, the nationwide reduction in pollution emission sources unintentionally resulted in improved air quality. This demonstrates the potential effectiveness of city-specific policies in reducing air pollution.

Strategies to reduce emissions from the transport sector

The transport sector is a major contributor to air pollution in metropolitan cities. In Delhi, for example, the highest PM2.5 emitting source is the exhaust emission from the active vehicular fleet, contributing about 22% of total PM2.5. To reduce emissions from the transport sector, a shift away from a car-centric approach to transportation planning is needed. This means moving away from simply building more and wider roads designed only for vehicles, and instead focusing on creating complete streets that make room for all kinds of commuters, including pedestrians, cyclists, and users of public transit. This can help incentivise and enable more commuters to use alternative methods of transportation, reducing reliance on household vehicles and subsequently reducing urban emissions.

One way to achieve this is by investing in and prioritising electrification and multimodal transportation. This includes the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs), which have been shown to significantly reduce carbon emissions. For example, in states like Washington or Vermont, which already rely on clean electricity sources, EV usage could reduce pollution from carbon emissions by more than 90%. Public EV chargers in cities can also help to accelerate the adoption of EVs.

However, electrification and multimodal transportation alone are not sufficient solutions to the problem. Urban planners must take a comprehensive approach to emissions-reducing city planning, considering land use, transportation, operations, policy, and more. This includes investing in green buildings, expanding renewable energy production, and improving waste management.

Additionally, cities can reduce their transport-related fuel consumption by around 25% through combinations of more compact land use and the provision of less car-dependent transport infrastructure. It is important to note that investments in transportation infrastructure, such as those provided by the BIL, can lead to increased emissions if not used properly. Therefore, a thoughtful and intentional approach to city planning is crucial to reducing emissions from the transport sector.

Policies to reduce domestic combustion

Domestic combustion is a vital sector that contributes to air pollution in metro cities, yet it is often overlooked in city-specific pollution policies. To address this issue, city authorities need to implement strategies that specifically target the reduction of emissions from domestic combustion sources.

One approach to reducing domestic combustion emissions is to encourage the use of cleaner and more efficient fuels and technologies. For example, promoting the use of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) or compressed natural gas (CNG) for cooking and heating instead of traditional biomass fuels such as wood or coal can significantly reduce particulate matter and other harmful pollutants.

In addition to fuel switching, improving the energy efficiency of buildings can also help reduce domestic combustion emissions. This can be achieved through the implementation of building codes and standards that promote the use of insulation, efficient heating and cooling systems, and the utilisation of renewable energy sources such as solar power.

Another strategy to reduce domestic combustion emissions is to provide incentives and subsidies for the adoption of cleaner technologies. For example, offering tax breaks or rebates for the purchase of energy-efficient appliances, such as induction cookstoves or heat pumps, can make these technologies more accessible and affordable for residents.

Public education and awareness campaigns can also play a crucial role in reducing domestic combustion emissions. By educating the public about the health and environmental impacts of indoor air pollution, as well as providing information on simple measures they can take to reduce emissions, such as proper ventilation and the use of exhaust fans, can help encourage behaviour change and promote a culture of sustainability.

Furthermore, city authorities can work with local communities to develop and implement neighbourhood-specific action plans. These plans can include initiatives such as community clean-up days, tree-planting programmes, and the establishment of green spaces, which can help improve air quality and reduce the impact of domestic combustion emissions at the local level. By combining top-down policy measures with bottom-up community engagement, cities can make significant strides in reducing domestic combustion emissions and improving the overall air quality for their residents.

The impact of COVID-19 lockdowns on air quality

The COVID-19 lockdowns had a significant impact on air quality in metro cities. In April and May 2020, the nationwide lockdown in India unintentionally improved air quality due to forced reductions in pollution emissions. Delhi and Kolkata, the two metro cities in India worst affected by poor air quality, saw a reduction in air pollution of up to 20%.

The lockdown period provided a unique opportunity to assess the effectiveness of existing policies aimed at reducing air pollution. Multiple policies have been implemented by city authorities in Delhi and Kolkata to improve air quality and attain the national ambient air quality standard. These policies primarily target the transport sector, as vehicle exhaust emissions are the highest source of PM2.5 in Delhi, contributing about 22% of total PM2.5.

However, the current policies may not be sufficient to achieve the clean-air goal soon. More strategies are needed to address all significant sources of pollution, including domestic combustion, which is yet to be covered by any city-specific policy. The key to successful pollution control is imposing policies that will have the most impact on reducing emissions. Comprehensive implementation of existing policies, along with additional strategies, may be required to achieve the desired level of air quality improvement.

The role of city authorities in implementing policies to improve air quality

City authorities play a crucial role in implementing policies to improve air quality in metropolitan areas. While each city is unique in its social and economic context, certain policies have proven effective in reducing pollution levels.

One key area of focus for city authorities is the transport sector, which is a major contributor to air pollution, particularly in large cities. Policies aimed at reducing vehicle emissions can include the use of technology to improve vehicle efficiency, the implementation of emission standards, fuel quality improvements, and the promotion of less polluting vehicles such as hybrid and electric cars. Traffic restrictions can also help to reduce congestion and lower emissions.

In addition to transport, city authorities should also address other significant sources of pollution, such as domestic combustion. For example, in Kolkata, city-specific pollution policies are spread across sectors to tackle primary polluting sources. These policies, if appropriately implemented, are estimated to reduce about 20% of total PM2.5 emissions.

It is important for city authorities to continuously monitor and assess the effectiveness of their policies. For instance, in Delhi, the highest PM2.5 emitting source is exhaust emissions from vehicles, contributing about 22% of total PM2.5. Multiple policies targeted at controlling emissions from this sector have been implemented, and their impact should be evaluated to ensure they are meeting the desired goals.

By implementing a range of strategies and policies, city authorities can play a vital role in improving air quality and creating healthier urban environments for their residents.

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